So how much money do you spend a month on food?
That is a very tricky question and usually people don’t realized how much money they actually spend. I just did some monthly accounting and last month I spent over $700 on food (fast food, grocery, restaurants). I’m not married and have no kids so this is a pretty high figure. I did do some traveling last month so I did eat out a lot more then I usually do. Also, I do live in Honolulu, Hawaii so things are a bit more expensive but still I think I could trim that figure down quite a bit.
Create a Weekly Menu – The Food Bill Buster
This month I have decided to follow the simple and effective money saving tip of creating a weekly menu. Every Sunday I take out all my favorite recipe books and create a weekly menu. It is pretty fun because it is like ordering seven meals (dinners) at a restaurant. You also get to choose meals that you always wanted to try. I recommend checking out online recipes sites, there are a many good ones out there just use your buddy Google.
When I select a recipe I check what ingredients I don’t have and create a quick grocery list. When planning your meals ahead of time it is important schedule longer cooking meals on days that you have more time.
The Benefits of Creating a Weekly Menu
Eat Healthier – I have definitely been eating healthier because in general I choose healthier recipes to cook. Most fast foods and restaurants serve meals that are high in fat and calories anyway.
You Save Money – By creating a weekly menu you save money because you prevent yourself from eating out. A lot of time I eat out because I just don’t know what to cook or what I have to cook.
Family Time – If you have a family then this is a great idea to spend more quality time together, plus you can teach your kids how to prepare meals and even make them responsible for certain things like a salad or setting the table.
Waste Less Food – Because you know exactly what food to buy and what food you already have you end up not waste as much food. I’m totally guilty of throwing away a lot of food either because it spoils in the refrigerator or it gets freezer burned but will not waste as much now.
My Example Menu
- Sunday – Korean Style Short Ribs (Using Crock Pot)
- Monday – Corned Beef Hash Patties
- Tuesday – Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi with Asparagus
- Wednesday – Chicken Stir Fry with Bell Pepers and Brocolli
- Thursday – Tofu Salmon Patties with rice
- Friday – Eating Out
- Saturday – Seared Ahi (Tuna)
I recommend picking recipes you really love, be creative and don’t forget to try something new. Again, if you have kids they will enjoy picking meals they love or love to help make. You can double dip on savings by eating leftovers for lunch.
I have noticed that my food bill has dropped dramatically since doing this. Probably because I just eat out much less now. Go ahead and give it a try.
There Are 12 Responses So Far. »
Post a Question or Comment
Subscribe to Full RSS Feed
Pingback by Festival of Frugality: #80 | Money for the Rest of Us on 26 June 2007:
[...] presents Simple Way to Save a Ton of Money on Food – Create a Weekly Menu posted at Mr. Cheap Stuff Online Coupons. Great discussion of making a weekly menu as a way to save [...]
Comment by sunny on 27 June 2007:
I enjoy using the menu mailers from http://www.savingdinner.com It’s only like $30 for a year subscription, and I get a menu, recipes, and grocery list e-mailed to me each week. The recipes include suggested side dishes too. And all the meals have been winners. It feels like we are eating out every night the food is SOOO good.
Comment by Nicole on 10 July 2008:
I will add one more tip to this way of cooking. Check out what is on sale before you make your meal list. Build your recipes around what’s on sale that week. It’s a great way to try new cuts of meat and learn new cooking techniques.
I had gotten out of the habit of doing weekly meal planning–but this article has reinspired me! Thanks!
Comment by The Beholder on 27 August 2008:
This sounds good, but I couldn’t tell you what I’m eating for dinner tonight, let alone dinner on Sunday!
Comment by Diana on 12 September 2008:
I have been procrastinating doing this, but know that I should because I believe that it is a time tested and proven fact that this will help people save money. Recently, when I have gone out to eat, I thoroughly enjoy the food, but when I calculate how much the food actually cost the restaurant to buy and how much they are actually charging me, I realize that I could have made it at home and spent much less money and had left overs…(if I would only take the time to make good food, I would not want to eat out as much…and I love to eat out…but if I really listened to you and picked good meals for menus, I would actually look forward to eating at home instead of asking my husband to take me out…and use his hard earned money…just so that I can throw it out the back door quicker than he can bring it in…okay, I will get off of my soap box…) Thank you Mr. Cheap Stuff for reinspiring me as well.
Comment by Angie on 16 December 2008:
I have used the menu idea for years. My family of four is living proof for all the benefits listed. I have also found that if I double the recipe or some recipes make more than my family will eat in one meal, I freeze the extra. Then down the road, we have a quick healthy meal ready for us!
Pingback by 10 Cheap, Quick & Easy Meals : Mr. Cheap Stuff on 29 December 2008:
[...] and easy meals that you can make. With a little bit of effort you add these meals to your meal menu. If you really don’t like to cook you might want to check out our list of the top 10 [...]
Comment by suctuaria on 12 February 2009:
As rolls swell in the recession, workers find firms are contesting claims by alleging wrongdoing or quitting in a bid to not pay benefits.
Comment by Joni on 16 July 2009:
Sprouting your own seeds to eat is healthy and saves on high priced health food. I add them to my green smoothies for a drinkable meal that I can jar up and take along with me.
By the way Dean are you testing out ‘share it’ plugins? I see you have three different ones at the bottom of this post. So far which is working the best for you. Have you tried them in different areas too — like before the post article?
Comment by Dean on 20 July 2009:
I have tried different areas. I still have to do more testing. When I put it before the post I get better results but I feel like it hurts the readers experience so I have left it on the bottom for now. Let me know how your results go.
Comment by Wendy on 7 January 2010:
I have been searching for coupons for some good deals at restaraunts, like BOGO entree or such. my zip code is 32609 if anyone knows of any please PLEASE let me know, Thanks so much!! butterflypie74 at yahoo dot com
Comment by Frank Duffey on 19 August 2010:
I keep saying I should do this and recently my blood sugar level was high. So If I can only get the recipes together before time to eat? Sounds easy but I am single and have been known to eat only one meal a day usually microwave and not healthy,or even eat cereal for a meal.It seems like I will be spending more for these recipes? I will sit down and take a real look at this.