You don’t need a bread machine to bake homemade bread. I have been doing it for over 30 years. I keep a pound of yeast in the refrigerator and if you store it properly it will keep for a years. Moisture is the thing you have to be careful of. I store mine in a tupperware container and only take it out of the refrig long enough to measure the appropriate amount.
I use 3/4 teaspoon of yeast for a recipe that calls for a “packet” of yeast. 3 packets in the grocery store run over a $1 most places. You should be able to find a pound of yeast for around $3-4.
We often find 25# bags of general purpose flour for $5-7. I usually keep 50# on hand.
Make homemade pizza dough, yeast rolls, cinnamon raisin swirl bread, cinnamon rolls, sticky buns and french bread.
You don’t even need yeast to do homemade biscuits. I do recommend using ARGO (or Rumsford) baking powder, it does not contain aluminum phosphate. (many Alzheimer’s victims have high concentration of aluminum in the brain)
And try dumplings, my family is nuts over my chicken & dumplings. And German potato soup made with leftover ham is a reall hit too.
We buy a lot of potatoes & rice. Both are great staples and you can sure cook a great meal on little cost with them.
I actually enjoy baking, my wife does not. But she sure likes to eat what I cook.
Eat good with much less cost, I learned that during college. I became a good cook then.