switching to red star dry active yeast

Yes, a packet is about 2 1/4 tsp. of dry yeast, or about 7 grams, I think.

I think Red Star is a slightly better yeast than Fleishmann's. I think if you used 2 tsp. even, you'd still be fine, and your measuring would be a little simpler.

If you're concerned about the cost of yeast, you could consider trying out recipes that use a lot less yeast and substitute a longer bulk ferment instead.

There's also yeast water and sourdough options for leavening, but I don't know if that might be too much for you right now. If you're interested, there's plenty of resources on this site to start learning about them.

Now that you've purchased your ADY, be sure to buy an air-tight container for storing the yeast in your freezer. You can use the yeast straight out of the freezer or keep a small amount in the fridge and the rest in the freezer if that's more convenient.

I purchased a Costco bag of Red Star ADY, kept it in a less than air tight Rubbermaid container in my freezer, and it still works after five years. Now all you have to do is to study the use of preferments and you'll really be on the way to becoming a "thrifty home baker".

Here is a link to a handy calculator for converting measurements from x to y: 

http://www.traditionaloven.com/conversions_of_measures/yeast_converter.html

alan