Meal Planning to Save you $$$

Once Cooper was born, I was trying to figure out ways to save money and become a bit more organized. I searched online to find ways to do that. I liked some of the ways I read about, but I couldn't find exactly what I was looking for. So, I decided to combine pieces of ideas and create my own.
I have found that putting together a plan for meals for the week helps with grocery shopping and managing my time. I have stuck to this plan for a few months and the result has been amazing! I know what we have in the house, what we are running low on and what is for dinner every day.
I came up with an inventory list for my chest freezer, pantry and household items. I take a quick inventory of all the items while I'm putting together my shopping list. I have the inventory sheets posted on a clipboard in each area, so it's easily accessible and I'm able to update them quickly.
Organization is important to me, especially when it comes to food and household items. I want to make sure that we have the essentials and don't run out of things we need.

Here is what you will need to start your meal planning:

- grocery adds (paper or online)

- grocery shopping and meal planner list

 - pen (I prefer sharpie pens found on Amazon)

- reusable shopping bags (Most stores give you money off for bringing your own bag!)

- coupons (mPerks are my favorite, but you can also use the Sunday paper)

Process

1) Collect all the ads for the stores you shop at.
2) Gather up all the inventory lists.

3) Plan out the meals for the week.

4) Put together grocery list

5) Hit up the store(s)

(Most stores will honor prices from other stores, if you have the add)

Tips
Going through the adds helps me get the maximum savings and potentially plan future meals based on what's on sale.I prefer online adds, because normally they'll have the following weeks' ads as well. That way, I can make sure I'm getting the best deal. Most stores will also include any coupons available linked to their online ad. You can generally save these coupons on your loyalty card. I always make sure to go to the grocery store after I have eaten. There is nothing more costly than going grocery shopping when you're hungry.

Planning meals and putting together my grocery list based on those meals saves me quite a bit of money. I don't go to the grocery store multiple times a week and that helps me eliminate needless spending. I also will check on any generic brands on sale. The generic items are typically made by the name brand companies. They typically taste the same and cost a lot less.

Suggestions

- sign up for mPerks:

You get coupons (sometimes personalized), money off your trip by spending certain amounts and $10 off coupons for every 5 prescriptions you fill.

- get a Target Redcard

You will get 5% off every purchase at Target (in store and online. Plus, you will get free shipping for every online purchase. There are 2 options: debit (linked to your checking account) and store credit (only use at Target)

- get a credit card that rewards you for shopping

Nordstrom Visa: get a $20 Nordstrom Note (like a gift card) for every $1,000 you spend, plus reimbursed clothing alterations and no annual fee

Costco Citi: earn cash back with your Citi card and Costco membership no annual card fee

Discover card: earn cash back on every purchase with no annual fee

Getting a credit card to use just for groceries and gas will help build your credit and give you some cash back and savings. You can pay it off every month and have an emergency card for unexpected expenses.

This has helped me and I hope it helps you too. Post any ideas you have found helpful in the comments below.

Happy shopping!!!