Family Balance Sheet

MARCH 2, 2011

The weeks that I take the time to plan the menu are the weeks that I have control over our spending. The weeks were I don’t menu plan are the weeks that I’m at the grocery store multiple times or we get take out multiple times, leading to an out of control grocery spending. Menu planning saves me time.

Menu Planning 138

Menu Planning Menu Plans Economical Kitchen 138

The Frugal Girl

SEPTEMBER 8, 2023

This is better than endless nights of eating out, but definitely not as frugal as an organized trip to Aldi. I spent $63 at Safeway, spread out between an embarrassing number of trips. Monday I had a snacky dinner earlier, and then when Zoe came home from her evening shift at work, she had a frozen pizza.

Safeway 205

Safeway Toaster Ovens Leftovers Toasters 205

Family Balance Sheet

JANUARY 28, 2022

There’s a reason why menu planning is #1 on this list. When I plan a menu, my spending is generally under control. When I don’t plan, I make multiple trips to the store, eat out too often, and most certainly blow our budget. And I promise you that I do feed them–lol! Thaw as needed.

Saving Money 130

Saving Money Groceries Grocery Money 130

Family Balance Sheet

JANUARY 8, 2014

When I don’t plan our meals, I’m pulling my hair out at dinner hour trying to figure out what ingredients I have on hand or what will replace the frozen chicken that I did not take out to thaw. Plan for All Seven Days. Create a Master List of your family’s favorite recipes.

Meals 186

Meals Simple Menu Planning Menu Plans 186

Coupons Do Work

APRIL 14, 2015

This is what I do: Step 1 : make a monthly menu plan and stick it on the fridge or the wall. Note: to see my example of a monthly menu plan, click here. If I want to eat out or the kids help me make a fun meal – stockpile stuff. That is what I know I need to spend for the week. Step 2: leftovers.

Budgeting 100

Budgeting Budget Food Kids and Family 100

Family Balance Sheet

FEBRUARY 15, 2019

There’s a reason why menu planning is #1 on this list. When I plan a menu, my spending is generally under control. When I don’t plan, I make multiple trips to the store, eat out too often, and most certainly blow our budget. And I promise you that I do feed them–lol! Thaw as needed.

Saving Money 113

Saving Money Groceries Grocery Money 113

Family Balance Sheet

MARCH 22, 2016

I use them regularly when we eat out at restaurants, and I will not shop at a department store without one, but grocery coupons are completely different for me. If you plan for your grocery trip, you should be able to stay on track. When I don’t plan, I am sure to blow our budget. Yeah, that is not me.

Saving Money 100

Saving Money Groceries Grocery Money 100