word

*Get more FRUGAL Articles, tips and tricks from Raining Hot Coupons here*

*Pin it* by clicking the PIN button on the image above!

Our topic today is going to be on “Meal Planning”! Something that can save you a lot of money, stress, time, and keep you organized as well as healthy by making sure your family is getting a sufficient diet!

Here is the email I received from reader Stephanie:

“Hi,
I love the idea of topic Tuesdays. One way that I save money at the grocery store is by making a meal plan. This way I am only getting items that I need. It also saves me from making last minute runs to the store because I don’t have an ingredient I need for dinner. I always have what I need. Five years ago I took a class on how to meal plan and paraphrased what I learned to share with a few friends. I have attached a few documents that go into more depth. Feel free to use what you want and distribute as needed. The “How To” is a little brief in areas so let me know if you have any specific questions or need further clarification.”

This is a topic I don’t know much of anything about…other than I would LOVE to be this organized and on top of meals! That is why I can’t wait to read your responses and tips.

Here are some neat forms Stephanie sent me that you can print out to help you get started (they are in Word):

Grocery Shopping List – what do I need? I love this one because you can check off the items you need and they are all categorized!

How to – Help with how to get started and detailed tips!

Menu Planning – This has a place for you to write down your dinner, what ingredients you need or have for it, what’s on sale, etc.

Master Menu List – List all of your favorite meals to cook, this is key in my opinion because sometimes you can forget all the different meals you know how too cook! Or maybe that’s just me…I always think, what should we make tonight?! It would be nice to just have a list. *Below is a list of Stephanie’s List: