Meal Planning 101

Since there's been a request and I never did a post on this like I think I was supposed to

today I have documented how I meal plan and save money. 

Monday mornings, normally when I eat breakfast, I sit down with:

1. My Notepad of Meals since we've been married
2. My grocery list
3. My clutch that has my coupons and money
4. Any store fliers that I feel I need something from

  Last Week's List

This is my little notepad of meals.

Everyday is written out and I plan what I will make all week long.

Note: The trick to my meal planning is that I make the meals from what meat 

I already have in my freezer, not what I buy at the store. 

I always buy my meat a week ahead of time.

This is my pile of coupons. 

I love coupons when I have them. 

My grandpa gets the paper and 

sometimes he saves the coupons for me.

Another tip to save is that I always buy what is one sale-

Like the pork chops I bought today. Buy 1 get 1 free.

I paid $2.50 a pack for them and

 I can get two meals from each pack

Now I know people with larger families can't do this.

I also always buy meat that has to be taken off the shelf that day or the next day.

Most times they have coupons on the meat, like this cube steak.

I payed $2 for it.

 Another trick is buy your salad fixin's and vegetables from the rack.

Basically prepackaged salad is more expensive 

and honestly I can't keep it from going bad.

Left: the kale that was on sale today. I think I paid around 80 cents for a big bunch

Middle: Green leaf lettuce

Right: Red leaf lettuce - I normally get both lettuces for about $1.50

Always remember - the darker the veggies the better for you, more vitamins

 And I always keep an eye out for deals, like these carrots I found today. 

$1.49 for the bag...

...A five pound bag!

I shared some with my mom and I might shred some and freeze it. 

Another thing I do it go to the local farmers market and buy my meat, 

sweet potatoes, green beans (which I snip and freeze).

I also watch for sale items on things I use but don't need for the week. 

If I think I'm going to be under budget for the week I'll go ahead and grab things.

Oh! I forgot- Matt gives me $60 a week for groceries.

 And my last tip: Walmart will honor other store papers.(sorry Sandz, this won't help you!) 

So rather than go to a couple different stores, take the papers to Walmarts.

I hope this was helpful. It's just what I do.

 And It's like a little bit of joy every time I stay under budget. 

It's like a game, a grown-up game. He- He!