The Savings:

Meal planning in itself is a giant cost savings habit. It is a habit because in today’s microwave society, where we want everything instantly, it is extremely easy to stop at the drive through or order out if in a pinch for time. The savings comes in with advanced planning.

If you spend ten dollars a day for food at a restaurant, you can easily spend $200 a month, which equates to $2,400 per year. If you also figure that meal planning allows you to eat those same meals for five dollars a day, you are already saving over a thousand dollars a year.

Food is much less expensive if purchased in a store. Just take a look at the cost of a steak in a restaurant versus buying that same cut in a store and cooking at home. The cost saving is ridiculous.

Sit down and try out each type of meal planning to see which one works best for your family. If you do need a night to eat out, make sure it is in your food budget, so you don’t end up with more month than you have money. No one likes a ramen meal plan if they can help it. Once you have decided which meal plan technique works best for you, find a set time to sit down and write out what you plan on cooking that evening, week or month. Stick to the game plan and watch your cost savings grow.