It’s Topic Tuesday and I’m really enjoying this! If you’re not sure what that is, check out the details here….

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:

Now, it’s your turn…what are YOUR tips for Menu planning?!

Thanks, Stephanie for the topic and the printable attachments!

I know I’ve posted this before but it was such an awesome “Topic” and I get asked this so much so Today’s Topic Tuesday is: How do you get healthy food with coupons versus junk food? Is it true that couponers only get junk food with coupons?!

I can’t wait to see others tips and responses to this topic. I know this has been asked by many and a lot of new coupon users may believe that you are bound to junk food if using coupons…..While you can get a lot of free junk food and candy with coupons, there are many ways to save on healthy products as well.

I know of some people who mostly use coupons for personal care items only. As most of you know, you can get a ton of freebies and low price personal items with coupons. You can then consider taking the money you saved on shavers, toothpaste, deodorant, etc and use it for healthier products. Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of ways to save on healthy food but you may not get exactly the same product you’re use to.

My biggest tip out there (and I’ve mentioned this before) is to STOCK up on healthy items when there is a coupon or a good deal for them. I have seen coupons for items like fresh strawberries, Driscoll’s berries, fruit, meat, nuts, organic crackers, teas, 100% whole juice and more. I will admit, they do not come out as often as we’d like so that is why I recommend stocking up on them when there is a coupon and then freezing them or storing them.

A unique tip I learned from one of my readers is to freeze your eggs! Yup, I said freeze your eggs….interesting huh? She recommends cracking them all, beating them and pouring them into an ice tray. One cube is equal to about 1 egg!

One more tip…..DARK chocolate is good for you!!

Right now Driscoll’s is giving a coupon for $0.50 off berries! Just GO HERE and sign up for their e-mail newsletter.
*The coupon link will be in your welcome e-mail.

What are your tips on getting healthy items with coupons?!