Want to read about the rest of the Budgeting 101 Series? Find it: HERE.
Budgeting 101: Class 4
Meal Planning is what makes my budget work.
Because I plan what we eat I know what groceries I will need each month.
And It makes it so I can watch for deals on items I will need.
Budgeting 101: Class 4
Meal Planning is what makes my budget work.
Because I plan what we eat I know what groceries I will need each month.
And It makes it so I can watch for deals on items I will need.
MY MONTHLY MEAL PLAN:
Each of these Meals are a Category. Meaning, if it says "Chicken & Potatoes" that means I am cooking Chicken & Potatoes...but it could be grilled chicken, baked chicken, crock pot, etc. It also varies in marinade or flavoring. This way I can change up the variety within the category.
I don't like it to feel like we eat the same thing again and again.
Example: one week it will be BBQ chicken and Baked Potatoes, then the next will be Garlic Baked Chicken with Herb Potatoes.
Example: one week it will be BBQ chicken and Baked Potatoes, then the next will be Garlic Baked Chicken with Herb Potatoes.
AND each category is made TWICE a MONTH.
1. Chicken & Potatoes x2
2. Chicken & Rice x2
3. Meatloaf & Potatoes x2
4. Lasagna & Italian x2
5. Enchiladas/Tacos/Burritos x2
5. Enchiladas/Tacos/Burritos x2
6. Beans & Rice x2
7. Salsa Chicken Meals x2
8. Stir Fry x2
9. Spaghetti x2
10. Fried Rice x2
11. Soup x2
12. Salad x2
Each of these meals doubled = 24 MEALS
Giving about 3 Nights for Left Overs & 3 Night for Eating Out/Entertaining
MEALS:
(with Recipes linked)
Choose 2 from each category...OR choose one and make double to freeze.
This will save you time later in the month.
(with Recipes linked)
Choose 2 from each category...OR choose one and make double to freeze.
This will save you time later in the month.
Chicken & Potatoes:
Parmesan Ranch Baked Chicken, BBQ Chicken, Italian Baked Chicken, Herb Seasoned Baked Chicken, Honey Lime Chicken, Chicken & Potato Veggie Bake, Lemon Garlic Chicken & Potato Bake, Slow Cooker Chicken & Potatoes, Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Sweet and Spicy Chicken, and Marinade Chicken (Use Your Favorite Marinades)
*ADD a vegetable side dish: Corn, Broccoli, Green Beans, Salad, etc.
*ADD a vegetable side dish: Corn, Broccoli, Green Beans, Salad, etc.
Chicken & Rice:
Fast Herb Chicken & Wild Rice, Creamy Chicken & Rice Bake, Sweet & Sour Chicken, Hawaiian BBQ Chicken, Hawaiian Haystacks, Chicken Bacon Broccoli & Rice, Chicken & Black Bean Casserole, Lemon Chicken & Rice, Orange Chicken, Cilantro Thai Grilled Chicken, Crock Pot Honey Sesame Chicken, Honey Sauced Chicken, Cashew Chicken, Coconut Chicken & Apricot Sauce, Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken, Teriyaki Chicken, Marinade Chicken & Rice,
*ADD a vegetable side dish: Corn, Broccoli, Green Beans, Salad, etc.
Meatloaf & Potatoes:
Meatloaf, Salsa Mini Meatloaves
*ADD a vegetable side dish: Corn, Broccoli, Green Beans, Salad, etc.
*ADD a vegetable side dish: Corn, Broccoli, Green Beans, Salad, etc.
Lasagna & Italian:
Easy Lasagna, Beef Lasagna, Sausage Lasagna, Lasagna Casserole, Slow Cooker Lasagna, Lasagna Skillet, Chicken Parmesan Casserole, Crock Pot Manicotti, Italian Zucchini Skillet
*ADD a vegetable side dish: Corn, Broccoli, Green Beans, Salad, etc.
*Optional add Bread, Rolls, Garlic Bread, Etc.
*ADD a vegetable side dish: Corn, Broccoli, Green Beans, Salad, etc.
*Optional add Bread, Rolls, Garlic Bread, Etc.
Enchiladas/Tacos/Burritos:
Chicken Enchiladas, Creamy Chicken Enchiladas, Honey Lime Enchiladas, Mexican Beef Enchiladas, Cafe Rio Smoothered Burritos, Basic Bean Burritos, Soft Tacos, Crunchy Tacos, Oven Tacos, Fajitas, Burrito Skillet, Enchilada Casserole, Bean & Rice Enchiladas, Enchilada Bake, Slow Cooker Enchiladas, Stuffed Quesedillas, Cilantro Lime Chicken Burritos, Chicken Enchilada Pasta
*ADD a Rice Side Dish & vegetable side dish: Corn, Broccoli, Green Beans, Salad, etc.
*ADD a Rice Side Dish & vegetable side dish: Corn, Broccoli, Green Beans, Salad, etc.
Beans & Rice:
Lime Cilantro Beans & Rice, Cilantro Beans & Rice, Red Beans Kielbasa & Rice, Three Beans & Rice
*ADD a vegetable side dish: Corn, Broccoli, Green Beans, Salad, etc.
*ADD a vegetable side dish: Corn, Broccoli, Green Beans, Salad, etc.
Salsa Chicken Meal:
Salsa Chicken Meal/Chicken Taco Chili with Rice, Salsa Chicken Burritos,
*ADD a vegetable side dish: Corn, Broccoli, Green Beans, Salad, etc.
*ADD a vegetable side dish: Corn, Broccoli, Green Beans, Salad, etc.
Stir Fry:
Crock Pot Beef & Broccoli, Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry, Chicken Stir Fry, Stir Fry, Citrus Glazed Chicken Stir Fry
*ADD a vegetable side dish: Corn, Broccoli, Green Beans, Salad, etc.
*ADD a vegetable side dish: Corn, Broccoli, Green Beans, Salad, etc.
Spaghetti:
Spaghetti, Easy Ziti, Spaghetti & Meatballs, Chicken Penne
*ADD a vegetable side dish: Corn, Broccoli, Green Beans, Salad, etc.
*Optional add Bread, Rolls, Garlic Bread, Etc.
*ADD a vegetable side dish: Corn, Broccoli, Green Beans, Salad, etc.
*Optional add Bread, Rolls, Garlic Bread, Etc.
Fried Rice:
Soup:
Taco Soup, Potato Soup, Bean Tortilla Soup, Bean Chile Soup, Stew, Chicken Tortilla Soup, White Chicken Chile, Black Bean Soup
*Add Bread, Rolls, Garlic Bread, Tortilla Chips, Etc.
*Add Bread, Rolls, Garlic Bread, Tortilla Chips, Etc.
Salad:
MORE TIPS FOR MEAL PLANNING:
WITH MEAL PLANNING helps me know what to make and
what to buy, but I also use it to make dinner easier.
I also, use the meals above for:
Freezer Meals, "Dump" Meals, slow cooker, 30 minute meals, "cook once eat twice," etc.
I plan the type of meal with the time I will have each day.
For example, on the days I am out of the house, I plan a slow cooker meal, days I have a little extra time I will make a "cook once eat twice" meal and freeze the second half.
To learn more about how schedule these and more on the basics of "MEAL PLANING" check: HERE.
WITH MEAL PLANNING helps me know what to make and
what to buy, but I also use it to make dinner easier.
I also, use the meals above for:
Freezer Meals, "Dump" Meals, slow cooker, 30 minute meals, "cook once eat twice," etc.
I plan the type of meal with the time I will have each day.
For example, on the days I am out of the house, I plan a slow cooker meal, days I have a little extra time I will make a "cook once eat twice" meal and freeze the second half.
To learn more about how schedule these and more on the basics of "MEAL PLANING" check: HERE.
Thanks for sharing this post! I know a lot of people are looking for ways to save money. From everyday necessities like groceries and bills to some personal items, money goes fast. Also, in this economy, you need to hold on to every penny you have. Unfortunately, my friend was in urgent need of money and had to get cash for annuities. Although it was and should be a last resort, it's important that people know that they can do that.
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