It is all the rage among my circle of twenty-something, recent college grad, budget conscious peers. (That, and using the unfortunate term “swag.”) I had heard from a variety of people that it was like, the best thing ever organizationally and financially. David and I decided to try it when we were first married and now we’re hooked. Friday I plan which meals I will cook and create a grocery list. I dramatically unveil the meal plan on our kitchen chalkboard and Dave kindly acts very interested. (Just kidding, he really is. The man loves food.) Then, Saturday we do all our shopping for the entire week. For me it’s a failure to have to go to the grocery store mid-week for something.
Why it rocks:
- Saves lots of money. Meal planning-enthusiasts argue most people buy far more than they need because they just grab whatever looks good once they’re at the store and have no overall plan for actual meals to make with what they buy.
- Less stress. There’s not “what should we have for dinner tonight?” every night. I spend one hour of set aside time on Friday deciding for the whole week. It makes cooking much more enjoyable.
- Fewer trips to grocery store. I am totally the person who would otherwise end up going to Kroger everyday to just get two things.
- It is healthier. I think I’ve noticed an unintentional side effect that we snack less because I know exactly what I will eat and when.
- When questioned what he likes about it, the husband said, “I get really excited reading the chalkboard early in the week. It reminds me of when I was younger and my mom told me what we were having for dinner and I could get excited in anticipation.” Yes, he’s adorable.
We budget about $100 dollars weekly for our family and eat plenty of tasty, high quality food. The other thing I do to save big is use my best known price list.
Any other meal planners out there? Do you like it or love it?
