Meal Planning

When on a budget meal planning is key. Not only does it help you save money but can help you get organized and eat healthier.  Everyone always asks me how I can spend so little on meals each week so I thought I would share how I plan my meals and what could be possible for you. Remember couponing can help you save a lot of money but extreme couponers aren't always realistic and aren't telling you everything. Please refer to my previous post about Extreme Couponing.  Plus everyone's life and budget is different so just because I spend a certian amount doesn't mean that amount is right for you.  I suggest looking at last week or if you can last month's bill and see how much you can save. If you are a newbie then 10%-15% is a good start. Then try for 20%-25% and so on.  I am happy with anything 50% or more. For example lets just say I spend $100 a week on groceries.  I am going to try to save $10-$15 at first. Which equals out to be $40-$60 a month. Then try 20%-25% the next month and so on. You could be saving $200 a month or more! What you need to know: Shop sales, Use coupons, Meal Plan, and Stockpile. (I will also throw in a couple of my own tips and recipes.)

First thing is to shop sales. It's easy, know what your family likes if you get a good deal buy it and buy a lot. That way you don't have to keep buying it every week.  If you aren't sure what is a good deal check out your local match-up blog and the best deals are always on the front page of the sales ad.  Always compare your local ads to each other.  I go to VG's, Meijer, and Kroger, so I always compare who has the best meat deals or what fruit and veggies are on sale. For instance if its fall apples go on sale. You can get apples at any store for a good price BUT compare store to see who has the best price and save money.  *Tip:  Buy things in season like watermelon in the summer they are always cheaper when they are in season or related to the season like bbq sauce is cheaper in the summer.*

Second is to use coupons. To get the best deals its best to combine sales with coupons.  Knowing your stores is very important to couponing. You need to know their deals and their coupon policy. Every store has a different policy some stores double coupons.  That means if you have a coupon for $0.50 off one item they will double it so you will get a $1.00 off.  Some stores double up to a $1.00 and some triple!  There can be other limitations like only 3 like coupons per transaction.  So if you have more then 3 you can use it in a 2nd transaction. VG's doubles up to a dollar up to 3 like coupons per household per day so separate transactions aren't possible in the same day. Every store is different READ THEIR COUPON POLICY and in fact print it off and take it with you.  There are a lot of employees who don't know the policy and its just faster and easier for you to bring it with you.Couponers take a lot of flack with some saying they only eat processed food and that isn't always the case.  There are A LOT of healthy food out there that you can get coupons for. Plus if you like a certain product just write the company and ask for some coupons for those products. *Tip: If you go to a store with a plan then you won't be tempted to over spend.*

Meal planning can be fun and easy if you take just a little time to do it. Every one's situation is different so meal planning will be different depending on your family's size and nutritional wants and needs.  Cooking at home can be fun and making REAL meals on a budget is easy.  After looking at your adds and finding the best prices for the week and using coupons (if possible) then make your list of what you need and what you plan on making for the week.  I can look at a pound of ground beef or turkey and think of 4 meals I could make out of it.  Planning out your meals ahead of time then you won't have to over buy stuff you won't need. *Tip: Left overs are huge in my house.  I love making new meals out of left overs or just having leftovers for lunch the next day. If helps with costs and helps with getting it out of my fridge so I have my room in there!*

Stockpiling is SO helpful when you are meal planning.  Having a nice stockpile of food will make choices easier and cheaper.Once you start a healthy stockpile meals like breakfast and lunch get cheaper.  I stockpile cereal and oatmeal because they are healthy, fast, and my family loves them.  Mac & Cheese is a favorite too, so its always nice to know you have something that your family loves when you are in a hurry or on a budget.  *Tip: A lot of time making things fresh is cheaper and better for you.  Look for fresh fruits and veggies instead of frozen or canned.*

*Tip: Buy meat that is on manager special, it us usually half price.  The meat will expire the next day or two but you can freeze it or use it that night its worth the price.*

Here is one of my family's FAVORITE homemade recipes!

Shepherd's Pie (this is what I use and it feeds a family of four with some leftovers please adjust for you family size/appetite.)

Mashed Potato Topping
6 to 8 (depending on size) Russet potatoes (you can use any kind, I use russet b/c they are big and cheap)
1/3 of a stick of butter
1/2 cup of milk
1 Tb of salt
Dash of pepper

 Filling
1 can of Corn or peas (my huuby doesn't like peas so we will use green beans)
1lb of ground beef (you can use ground turkey, chicken or lamb we have tried them all and they are good)
2 Tbs of salt
2 tsp of pepper
3 to 4 carrot sticks or 1/2 a bag of baby carrots
1/2 of an onion
1 clove of garlic
1/2 cup of Red wine
2 tsp of cumin
2 tbs of Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp of Kitchen Bouquet
1 1/2 cups of water
1/2 cup of flour or corn starch


Peel in quarter potatoes. Put them in a pot of water and bring to a boil.  Boil them until filling is done.

Preheat oven for to 425

Use a large sauce pan and brown meat. If using lamb or beef drain meat.
Chop carrots, garlic and onion add water put on med heat. Cook for 5 to 7 mins.
Add wine, Worcestershire sauce, kitchen bouquet and cumin. Mix well simmer for 2 to 5 mins.
Mix 1 cup of water with flour or corn starch until there are no lumps add mixture to pan mix well.
Cook until gravy like mixture is boiling.

Add Corn or peas to filling.

Grease 8x13 pan. Pour filling in pan

In a large bowl put butter, salt & pepper for the potatoes.  Drain potatoes and put in the bowl.  Use mixer and mix contents of the bowl until smooth.  Add milk, mix well again until smooth.

Spread mashed potatoes on top of filling until top of the pan is completely covered. Pop pan in the oven for about 10 to 15 mins (or until potatoes are starting to get brown on top)

LET IT COOL FOR ABOUT 15 TO 20 MINS and Serve