Sometimes life gets hard and you need to start saving money. Maybe you're knee-deep in college debt, saving up to move to a new city, or a broke college student. No matter the situation, it's always a good idea to save money where you can. Here are five foods you can buy that are healthy, filling, and won't break the bank.

1. Oatmeal

I eat oatmeal for breakfast nearly everyday. It's so versatile, allowing you to add nearly any toppings that you want, both sweet and savory. At less than $4.00 for 30 servings, this is some of the cheapest food you can buy. Some common toppings for oatmeal include fruit, flax and chia seeds, peanut butter, nuts, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Even without toppings, oatmeal offers a lot of nutrition: it is high in fiber, protein, and magnesium. Here are some great topping combinations for your morning, lunch, or dinner oats!

2. Peanut Butter

Although it works well when combined with oatmeal, peanut butter is also great on sandwiches, in smoothies, and on sweet potatoes. There is an endless number of ways you can use peanut butter, such as in dessert recipes. The high-fat and protein content of peanut butter makes it very satisfying. It's one of the easiest foods to eat: just open the jar and spread it on whatever your heart desires.

3. Potatoes

Another food that is very inexpensive is potatoes. While sweet potatoes are generally more expensive than white potatoes, sweet potatoes are much cheaper when they are in season. Potatoes can be used in so many recipes, or eaten alone. They provide lots of potassium and other trace minerals. If you choose sweet potatoes, they contain lots of Vitamin A. You can never go wrong with potatoes!

4. Beans

Beans are some of the most healthiest foods you can eat. Packed with protein, iron, and potassium, they should be a part (and possibly even a staple) of your diet. There are so many types of beans you can eat: black, pinto, white, garbanzo, kidney, and navy. The list goes on and on!

5. Bananas

Bananas are quite cheap when compared to other fruits (or even other foods in general). At about 25 cents per banana, this fruit provides lots of potassium, fiber, vitamin B-6, and vitamin C. When ripe, bananas can be used in oatmeal, smoothies, desserts, among other dishes. Never pass up a perfectly ripe banana!

Well, there you have it! Five great ways to get in your nutrition without spending much money! You'd be surprised how cheap these foods are and how much money you can save over the course of the week. Sometimes the healthiest, most basic food is the cheapest!