Meal Planning is one of the most important keys to our money saving plan.  One of the highest costs of food is eating out or buying convenience foods.  We spend more for these types of food when we are overwhelmed or can’t think of what to cook. When you have a meal plan, there’s no panic thought of, “It’s almost dinner time and I have no idea what to fix!” 

I meal plan for a month at a time. This may sound overwhelming, but it’s really better than shorter planning periods.  One hour towards the end of the month can have you prepared with meals for the next month.    Meal planning based on the common foods you already have in your pantry allow you to cook even when you don’ t have time to run to the store.

Click here to download and print the 2011 Menu Calendars

When you meal plan for a month you can choose a type of meal for each day of the week and fill it in straight down the column.  For example, we love homemade pizza on Fridays.  Wednesday I like to plan soup and homemade bread.  We also have a Mexican food night and an Italian food night.  Within those categories I can plan a variety of different foods without repeating a dish over the month, but having some guidelines helps me think of ideas.

You can plan your meals around your schedule.  If it’s a busy day plan a slow-cooker meal.  Is there a night that would be perfect for cooking together as a family?  Plan a meal for that night that a child can help prepare.  Is there a birthday or other occasion?  You’ll know ahead to plan something extra special.

When you have your monthly meal plan ready before you head to the store with cash, you will know if there are a few extra things that aren’t in your pantry that you will need to pick up. 

I wrote a detailed article on meal planning last June and it’s hard to beat.  Here’s the link to keep reading for the step by step guide for planning fantastic meals.