Meal Plans: Your Tool For A Healthy Savings
Eating out on a regular basis can take a toll on your finances. Try these four tips to budget better and reset your weekly eating habits.
Going out to eat is a budget killer, especially if you do it all the time. Cooking meals at home is the best option to help keep your spending down. While eating at home will certainly save you money, cooking every meal can be daunting for some people — unless you make a meal plan.
Here are some tips for creating a successful plan to boost your financial (and personal) health.
Create Your Plan
Cook Things You Actually Enjoy
This may seem obvious, but in fact many people assume that meal planning means preparing things that are easy but not necessarily tasty. So make note of the things your family likes to eat. You’ll also want to focus on things you can buy in bulk. For example, large bags of beans can be fairly inexpensive, and used as a healthy source of protein in a variety of dishes.
Speaking of protein, consider eating alternatives to meat throughout the week. Beef, chicken, and pork are often the most expensive parts of any meal.
Make A Plan
Make a list of each meal you need to account for. Most of us eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but you might also want to consider snacks. Assign a meal to each of those areas based on your personal preferences or what is already in your pantry. The list will help you stay organized and save money when you hit the grocery store.
Shop With Purpose
Having a stocked pantry is key to meal planning. See what’s already in your kitchen and make a list of missing essentials that can be used in multiple recipes (oils, seasonings, etc.).
Now cross-reference your pantry and meal lists. Identify any ingredients that are missing and make sure to pick them up at the store. With your prepared lists, you’ll avoid the supermarket trap of buying things on the fly that you don’t really need.
Plan For On-The-Go Snacks
One of the most common reasons people ditch their carefully prepared meal plan is because of hunger on the go. Don’t fall into the fast food trap. You can either prepare snacks for this purpose or buy filling items, such as inexpensive fruits and nuts to tide you over until you get home.
Budgeting
Ready to take control of your finances? See what steps to follow to develop a spending and saving plan and follow through on it.
Related Articles
Are Share Certificates Worth It?
When looking into ways to grow their money, many people wonder, “Are share certificates worth it?” Learn more about how share certificates can help you earn more on your savings.
Can You Add Money To A Share Certificate?
Can you add money to a share certificate? Learn everything you need to know about these high-yield, low-risk investments.
How Do Share Certificates Work?
Are you interested in earning higher returns than a traditional savings account offers? Learn how share certificates work and if they're a good fit for you.