1. Both. It's cheaper, and often better than anything I can find in the small town where I live.
2. We plan MOST of our meals in a week, but leave a night or two open for flexibility and/or a restaurant visit.
3. All kinds of shit! My wife is an avid Pinterest user, and I am a former professional gourmet cook.
4. Nope.
5. LEARN HOW TO PROPERLY USE AND MAINTAIN KNIVES. That is the biggest tip that I can possibly give.