Save Time And Money With Menu Planning

Menu planning is something I used to do quite often (albeit loosely), but I have strayed recently.  So, I’m getting back on track, since menu planning is something that you can do that is not only easy, but will also save you time and money.

I like to plan my menu for an entire month at a time, since I am usually grocery shopping only once a month.

First, I take stock of what I already have in my pantry.  This step must be first!  Most people plan the menu, then look to see what they already have in the pantry.  But, if you want to save money, look at what you have in the pantry first, then make the menu.

I take a regular monthly calendar (you can download one from the Flander’s Family web site), and start filling in the blanks.  Usually, we will have pizza night on Thursday or Friday nights, as well as a night for leftovers each week.

I also like to cook in bulk to save time (and money) so I will usually take a typical casserole and half it.  We eat half right away, then freeze the rest for later in the month.  By doing this, we usually don’t have many leftovers (hence only one night a week for leftovers), and we can also get away with only cooking half the number of meals each month.

I usually only plan for dinners, since lunches can be sandwiches or leftovers, or something whipped together easily, and for breakfast, we have pancakes, granola, or cereal (with a few coffee cakes or sticky buns thrown in throughout the month).

Starting this next Monday, I’ll be linking up to Organizing Junkie’s Menu Plan Mondays to let you know exactly what I have on tap for the week!

Menu planning comes in handy on busy days too, since you already know “What’s for dinner?”

Join me and start menu planning to save time and money.

To your success,

Dr. Laura