Meal Planning and Money

I have been asking some friends on Facebook about whether or not they do meal planning, the reasons why and how do they do it. Some seem to be focused around buying food to last between paydays for the families, some probably buy a little extra of what is on sale at that time to last a bit longer to help plan meals and then there is me, who did the quick easy fast food dinner. I am to the point that I cannot keep doing that and really need to change my habits. That means cooking at home. Even cooking some extra so that I can take for lunch the next day at work. Will this mean I start saving some money though?

For example, tonight I did a version of "Hamburger Helper" for dinner. I had one pound of buffalo meat, one can of pasta sauce, some spices and some wheat elbow macaroni. Smells really good. For the three people here in the house, it is surely enough for dinner tonight and some tomorrow for lunch. So, it is about $12.00 for all this food. For that much, we would not have gotten our money's worth at the local drive through. Certainly not enough for three to eat tonight and for tomorrow as well. Is it worth it? Yes, I think it might be. No waiting in lines, I know who made my food and what was put in it and the taste? It is good.

I am sure that by eating a little healthier is gonna cost a tad bit more. I had bison meat instead of regular hamburger. There is the reason the the cost is a little more. Bison is not as cheap as hamburger meat but I like the taste and it is a bit leaner. Husband does not like wheat pasta so much but this elbow pasta made from wheat is pretty good. I like the taste and it is a bit healthier for us. The spices helped make it a bit better by adding some flavor but not so hot.

"Hamburger Helper" it is not. Homemade it is. I can change the flavors next time if I want - add alfredo sauce, use spiral noodles instead of elbow noodles.

Okay, back to the menu planning. If I buy enough of some things on sale, can I plan meals at home and save money? I think I might be able to do this. Here is to hoping that I can get started on this little way to save money.

Do you have any tips, hints or helpful things you do to meal planning at home? Let me know!!

Jennifer