Hi there! 👋 Are you tired of spending too much money on groceries every week? Or perhaps you’re tired of constantly trying to figure out what to make for dinner each day? Well, fear not, because in this blog, I’m going to share with you five weekly meal planning tips that can save you both time and money!

1. Plan Around Sales and Coupons

One of the most important tips for saving money on groceries is to plan your meals around sales and coupons. Most grocery stores have weekly circulars that advertise weekly deals and discounts. Check out what’s on sale, and think of meals that incorporate those items. Additionally, if you have any coupons available, use them to build meals around them. This way, you can save money while also planning your weekly meals.

Close-up of a grocery store flyer

2. Prep Ahead of Time

Meal prepping is a great way to save time during the week. Whether it’s meal prepping on a Sunday or after work, prepping meals ahead of time can save you time and make sure you’re eating healthy. Try prepping meals in advance for the first few days of the week so that you have healthy, portioned meals ready to go. You can also prep ingredients that you’ll need for the rest of the week’s meals, such as chopping up vegetables or marinating meats.

A person prepping meals for the week

3. Use Leftovers Creatively

Don’t throw out your leftovers from the previous night! Instead, try using them to create new meals. For example, leftover chicken can be used to make chicken salad for lunch, or leftover veggies can be used in a stir-fry or omelet. Using leftovers creatively not only saves you money but also reduces food waste.

A person cooking with leftover vegetables

4. Shop in Bulk

Buying items in bulk is a great way to save money. If there are non-perishable items that you use often, such as rice or pasta, buy them in bulk instead of buying small packages every week. Additionally, buying meat in bulk can often be cheaper per pound than buying individual servings. Be sure to only buy items in bulk that you know you’ll use, though, to avoid wasting food and money.

Shelves in a grocery store stocked with bulk items

5. Keep it Simple

While it can be tempting to want to try out complex, gourmet recipes every night, it’s important to keep things simple when meal planning. Stick to meals that require fewer ingredients and less time to cook on busier days. This also allows you to focus on making meals that are healthy and budget-friendly.

A person cooking a simple pasta dish

So there you have it, five weekly meal planning tips that can save you time and money in the long run. By planning around sales, prepping ahead, using leftovers creatively, shopping in bulk, and keeping things simple, you can save money on groceries and time in the kitchen. Happy meal planning! 😊

Illustration of a person meal planning