5 tips for weekly meal planning to save money

Weekly meal planning can help you save money by buying only what you need. 5 tips for weekly meal planning are:

1. Choose a meal planning day - ideally the day of grocery shopping

Have a regular day for meal planning so you get into the habit of it. A good day to meal plan is the day of your grocery shopping.

2.Check your inventory - what needs to be used up?

Before you start planning, take a look at what you already have in your pantry, fridge, and freezer.

This helps you avoid buying unnecessary items and reduces food waste. It also helps give you ideas for your weekly meal plan.

You might want to have a ‘use up’ basket in your pantry of stuff to use before it expires.

3. Think about your week and what is practical

Think about your week. Is it possible to cook each night? Should there be a take out night?

Can you make a double meal so it is a heat and eat on a busy night.

Meal planning doesn’t work if it doesn’t work with your schedule or isn’t practical.

Have a list of ‘quick and easy’ meal ideas for when you don’t have much time.

5 tips for weekly meal planning - free digital download weekly dinner planner

4. Create a menu and then write a shopping list

Decide on the meals you want to prepare for the upcoming week.

Consider favourites, dietary restrictions, and any special occasions.

Could you have theme nights like Monday meat and veg, Taco Tuesday, Easy Pasta Wednesdays, Try out new recipes Thursday, Friday take out, Saturday slow cook, Special Sundays.

To help save money look at your grocery store weekly specials - what can you cook with them? Is there anything you regularly use on special?

Based on the weekly menu and what you have at home - create a shopping list.

My ETSY store has a weekly meal planning pack which includes downloads for favorite meals and meals to try. Click here to view.

5. Put your meal plan somewhere visible

Put your meal plan somewhere visible. Whether it is a command centre or side of the fridge. Or put a copy in your planner.

Having it visible helps you implement it. For example, looking at it in the evening reminds you to do things like take meat out to defrost for the next day.

Putting your weekly meal plan somewhere visible also reduces the ‘what’s for dinner’ questions!

Below I have a free download of a weekly dinner planner - with 4 versions including two that start any day of the week you like.

Weekly meal planner is looking at what you have, your schedule and getting some inspiration for meals to cook.