Getting the basics right: Menu Planning

Trying to simplify and streamline everything is a huge task that is too overwhelming to do all at once, so I'm taking it one week at a time. Next week I'm concentrating on menu planning and building our pantry stock from items on sale.



I've learnt to my cost that sticking to a menu plan saves me money, and yet I keep sucking at it. I'm trying to do a four weekly revolving plan that fits in with our pay schedule; I find that a four week plan gives us some flexibility.


{The above photo is our current pantry, not very glamorous I know but it serves a purpose; it's an old shelving unit that fits perfectly in our breakfast room cupboard. The front is here, much nicer!}

This week we're having:

Mon - Curry + Rice
Tue - Fajitas (using left over chicken cooked for the curry)
Wed - Pizza + Salad
Thu - Pasta with homemade sauce from the freezer
Fri - Tuna/Pasta bake
Sat - Steak/Mushrooms/Veg
Sun - Chicken + Veg

Do you menu plan? Have you worked out a system that works best for your family?

Keeping the grocery budget down was one of the main things that helped me to get out of debt, now it's just as important if we want to achieve our long term goals.