When it comes to getting out of debt, meal planning is a HUGE component. Even if you are debt free – meal planning can still make a huge difference in your life, for so many reasons!
In 2015 I did better at meal panning, but I still have a ways to go. The days that I know what I am making my family for breakfast, lunch and dinner are always better than the days where I am fumbling! I also know that it makes everyone happier when we have groceries in the house – that were well thought out, delicious, and did not break the bank.
I have spoken about how getting out of debt is a lot of work. Meal planning is just one aspect of that. Not only am I the person in our family that pays the bills, I also do the majority of the shopping (all of the grocery shopping). Making the decision to go full force and become debt free means that I am taking on a 2nd job – and that 2nd job is getting us to be debt free!
Meal planning is one task in that extra job. It is my job to make sure we have food (healthy) in the house, and meals on the table. It also means that I have to plan them out. I spend the extra time to look at sales flyers, find the best deals, price match and use coupons when available – all so we can achieve our financial goals as-soon-as-possible!
Meal Planning – The Basics:
I try my hardest to just go to the grocery store once per week. By using my meal planning printable, I am saving my family a boat load of money!
- Click to download your meal planning printable
- I start by looking in our pantry – refrigerator and freezer. If there is any food that I need to use up I plan my next meal around that item. So I am not wasting the food and our money
- I look at the sales flyers for our grocery store, and plan the rest of the meals around the deals.
- I search for the ingredient on Pinterest, and come up with a hopefully delicious meal.
- I write down our meals Breakfasts – Lunch – Snack (my boys require this) – Dinner
- I then create my grocery list
- Double check the don’t forget items, and then go shopping.
Some additional tips:
If you have to take your kiddos shopping, make sure you go at their best times. It will just be easier. For me that is right after breakfast. Hudson might take his short morning nap while on the way to the grocery store and that is great. (it means he will take a longer afternoon nap -yay!)
Do not go hungry! You WILL buy more food than you need – and items that are not on your list!
Stick to your Meal Planning Page! If you did not write it down, then you do not need it. IF you do actually need it and did not write it down, this means you need to do better at taking an inventory of your house, and keeping track of what you need throughout the week.
Bring a water and a snack for the kids. Even if they just ate they will most likely become stricken with starvation upon getting to the grocery store…
Remember- It may seem like a lot of extra work on your part – BUT- it will soon become second nature, it will start to take much less time to plan your tips and most of all it will save you a lot of money!!!
Taking It Further:
If you want to take meal planning a step further, get this Ebook, and do it!!
28 freezer meals for 200 bucks! To make it even better – get together with some of your girlfriends and have a day of cooking OR you each pick a freezer meal and make enough for 3 meals per person and then swap!!!
What are your best grocery store and meal planning tips?? I’d LOVE to here them!
If you are serious about taking control of your finances – and you want to really get out of debt, than make sure you grab this 40-page workbook – today!!
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