We are on Week 2 of Why Menu Plans Work...What Sounds Good vs Stockpiling When Planning a Menu
I have menu planned what SOUNDED good or when I wanted to try a new recipe rather than what I had on hand and you don't really save money that way, although it is cheaper than going out to eat. When I use to plan my menu, I was still spending $100-$200 each week or more because I had a huge list of items to buy. The huge problem with this? I bought items that weren't on sale, that had no coupon, or had a coupon but it didn't make much of a difference in price (because it wasn't on sale), and I made impulse purchases because, heck, I was already spending $200, why not just buy more?
But I learned how to combine coupons when the item went to it's lowest price and stocked up on that item. Once you start to stockpile, you incorporate those items you have stockpiled in your freezer or pantry into your menu and you will see your grocery list and your grocery budget go down. I also sat down with my husband and created a budget so that helps me to stay on track and avoid impulse buying.
My goal in the next 6 months...spend $50 a week on groceries by buying items at their rock bottom price/using coupons thus building my stockpile. I will only be able to spend that little because I menu plan. I will be sharing my deals as well so you can check my progress as I try and reach my goal. Next week, Cooking from Scratch to Save Money
Here is my Menu for this Week:
Mon-Crockpot BBQ Chicken, Mac & Cheese, Salad
Tues-Nacho Chicken, Corn, Salad
Wed-Stackems
Thurs-Breakfast Night (pancakes, bacon, eggs, smoothies)
Fri-Tacos
Sat-Honey Rosemary Chicken, Pasta Salad
Sun-Eat Out for Lunch after Church/Scrounge for Dinner (we typically have cereal or leftovers)
I have menu planned what SOUNDED good or when I wanted to try a new recipe rather than what I had on hand and you don't really save money that way, although it is cheaper than going out to eat. When I use to plan my menu, I was still spending $100-$200 each week or more because I had a huge list of items to buy. The huge problem with this? I bought items that weren't on sale, that had no coupon, or had a coupon but it didn't make much of a difference in price (because it wasn't on sale), and I made impulse purchases because, heck, I was already spending $200, why not just buy more?
But I learned how to combine coupons when the item went to it's lowest price and stocked up on that item. Once you start to stockpile, you incorporate those items you have stockpiled in your freezer or pantry into your menu and you will see your grocery list and your grocery budget go down. I also sat down with my husband and created a budget so that helps me to stay on track and avoid impulse buying.
My goal in the next 6 months...spend $50 a week on groceries by buying items at their rock bottom price/using coupons thus building my stockpile. I will only be able to spend that little because I menu plan. I will be sharing my deals as well so you can check my progress as I try and reach my goal. Next week, Cooking from Scratch to Save Money
Here is my Menu for this Week:
Mon-Crockpot BBQ Chicken, Mac & Cheese, Salad
Tues-Nacho Chicken, Corn, Salad
Wed-Stackems
Thurs-Breakfast Night (pancakes, bacon, eggs, smoothies)
Fri-Tacos
Sat-Honey Rosemary Chicken, Pasta Salad
Sun-Eat Out for Lunch after Church/Scrounge for Dinner (we typically have cereal or leftovers)
No comments:
Post a Comment