There are many reasons I meal plan but my favorite is ALWAYS to save money! Here at I Heart Frugal it is my mission to help you pay down debt and live within your means. Yes, you can live that debt-free amazing life you have always wanted! Nonetheless, many do not realize one of the easiest ways to slash your budget is to cut your grocery spending. Meal planning is an easy way to do just that! So today I am offering you a five-day Meal Planning tips series to help you meal plan with the best of them.
However, meal planning may not be at the top of your list of “fun” things to do today, but if you LOVE to plan, like me, then this will be super simple and easy.
Yet, if you are more of spontaneous momma, no worries! You can still create a meal plan and day by day, decide what you would like to make for dinner. Then you still have all your ingredients on-hand but you can eat whatever you have a taste for. This keeps you happy and away from the take-out menus.
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One reason people shy away from eating at home is they like food that tastes good. If you do not have something on-hand that you like, chances are you are packing up the family and headed to your local favorite restaurant or grabbing those take-out menus! This is all well and good if you have the extra cash! Yet, if you are trying to save money, meal planning is a BIG step in the right direction. Even if you are buying a few more expensive dinners (and by expensive, I mean around $10-12 per meal, you are still paying WAY less than you would by going out to eat.
The average meal at a restaurant today cost is around $12.17 per person at a restaurant such as Red Robin and that is on the cheap end. (Source: Business Insider) So if you spend $12 on a meal at home for a family of four, you just saved yourself $36 in just one day! Think about how much you will save if you make dinner at home all week! That is over $252 per week!!*
What a huge chunk of change you would save to pay down debt…Sorry, I love numbers… That’s $1008 per month! What a great start to your emergency fund! – Yes, I realize you probably don’t eat out every single night, but even if you cut that number in 1/2 that is $504 per month of savings.
Reason for Meal Planning:
- Save Money
- Stay Organized
- Less Stress
- Healthier than eating out
- Save Time
- No last-minute trips to the store
- Stay Sane
There are many reasons to meal plan and if you are trying to save money, then this should be at the top of your list! You can be creative and spontaneous and still create many great dishes. Your wallet and your family will thank you!
Follow along for the next four days and learn more great meal planning tips!
Day 2 (Frequency) – Best Meal Planning Tips Series to Make You a Pro
Day 3 (Budgeting) – Best Meal Planning Tips Series to Make You a Pro
Day 4 (Shopping and Food Prep) – Best Meal Planning Tips Series to Make You a Pro
Day 5 (Stay Sane) – Best Meal Planning tips Series to Make You a Pro
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Why do you meal plan or want to start meal planning? Leave me a comment! I would love to hear from you!
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- 7 Lies You’ve Heard About Meal Planning and How to Start
- 15 Tips to Live Your Best Life
- How to Get Out of Debt: 11 Actionable Steps to Live Better
3 Comments on Best Meal Planning Tips Series to Make You a Pro – Intro (Day 1)
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Nice Work Sarah, it’ll make my life so simple no more guessing at the last time and always ending up with fried rice.
Thank you so much for the visit! I hope my series helps you out!! Take care!