I'm a 75-year-old retiree in Newark. My partner and I spend $150 a week on groceries and save money by skipping meat.

John Goldstein grows tomatoes and herbs to have fresh ingredients to cook with. John Goldstein John Goldstein, a 75-year-old retiree in New Jersey, spends about $150 a week on food for him and his partner. Skipping meat and avoiding restaurants helps him balance his budget against rising healthcare costs. He says frugality doesn't have to be unenjoyable for those willing to learn new ways to cook at home. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with John Goldstein, a 75-year-old re...