I am a big list maker and really love to be as organized as possible. A few years ago I started using a meal planner to not only create a list of meals but save money and use my coupons better. It is not only easy but it is a great way to involve the whole family in deciding what to eat and how to save.
Find the Right Meal Planner
There are tons of meal planners that you can print for free from the Internet. Pinterest is a great place to find not only cute printable meal planners, but even pre-made meal menus, which is another great way to save time. These have days of the week already printed with meals that are “staples” for your month. Things like Spaghetti or hamburgers, you know the stuff you always eat during the month.
No matter what you decided, you might need to try a couple before you find one that works. If you don’t want to do that, you can create your own using your computer or in a bind, just write one out on paper. They even have apps if you use your phone for everything, you can also use your phone to plan meals.
Start with the Basics
You’ll want to put those meals in that you always make. Things like Hamburgers, Pizza, Tacos and so on, if you have not already gotten those on a printed planner. These are also usually the meals that are easy to stock up on staples for. Since you know you make these every month, watch for them to go on sale and then stock up on the staples you need to make them. This will save you money and in a bind, you will always have what you need. Things like Beans for Tacos, Tomato sauce for homemade pizza, spaghetti and lasagna.
When you find them on sale, stock up! That’s what those great 10 for 10 sales are for. I always have these sorts of staples in my cabinets. Make list of them so you know what to watch for.
Get Our Your Cook Books
In our family, we usually eat two veggie meals (no meat) per week and then the rest of the week is open. Once I put in our “staples” then I usually have a few days to fill in. This is where you can use those cookbooks to make meals that maybe you have not made in a while. This is also where I like to throw in a few dishes that we have never had before (I do this about twice a month) and then of course pick a few meals that I can make ahead of time.
Cookbooks are great resources as well as websites like Pioneer Woman, Joy the Baker and Steamy Kitchen. These site have great recipes that are easy and budget friendly. Don’t be afraid to try something new. This will also help you break out of the rut that lots of people get in when they are cooking night after night.
If are organized, and shop from your meal planner, you can save tons of money and prevent those impulse buys that you don’t need. You’d save a ton of money, always have what you need and feel more organized.
Written by Richel, Free Stuff Finder Contributor
