Budget-Friendly Monthly Menu Plans

Menu planning is one of the most efficient ways to cut down on your budget and keep yourself organized. There are lots of different ways to plan your menu, and using them and finding out what works best for you and your family is the best idea. Our Budget-Friendly Monthly Menu Plans are sure to help!

My Favorite Menu Planning Tips

Plan for the month, shop for the week. Since I have my recipes and cookbooks out, I find it easier to plan the whole month. The other nice thing, after each month, is planned for the year, and you are done. Just repeat the months. I also purchase some things for the whole month, especially if they are on sale, but the majority of the grocery shopping is done weekly.

  1. When you plan your meals, keep in mind what ingredients are seasonal, they are often less expensive too.
  2. It’s also a great idea to plan your meals that share common ingredients. For instance, if cheese is on sale, then plan recipes that use cheese.
  3. Keep your pantry stocked with ingredients you will use often. It will make your meal planning easier, and cut down on your grocery bill.
  4. Be sure to plan for busy nights. Especially during the school year, when the kids have practice, games, or meetings. Plan an easy Slow Cooker Meal for those nights, then you can eat as soon as you get home from the game. Here are 50+ recipes for those busy weeknights.

More Tips in Menu Planning

  1. When I’m planning meals, I give each day of the week a specific meal, like Mondays are quick and easy, Tuesdays are make-ahead, Wednesdays are Mexican night, Thursdays are Italian, Fridays are kids’ favorites, Saturdays are new recipes and Sundays are comfort food.
  2. Also keep the weather in mind, even though it changes fast, you can get an idea of what to expect in the week ahead. You certainly don’t want to be grilling during a rainstorm or plan a meal to be cooked in the oven when the temperatures are supposed to be high.
  3. Keep track of your meal plan and take notes. I like using a Household Binder to keep track of everything. You can also use Pinterest to gather recipe ideas that you would like to serve your family.

3 Years Monthly Menu Plans

We have over 3 years’ worth of Monthly Menu Plans. There were several readers that asked to have them all in one spot. Below you can find each month plus the printable for your convenience, we started the printable menus in late November 2012, and then in late 2013, we changed to the calendar form.

Monthly Menu Plans with Free Printables

Monthly Menu Plans – 2017

2016

Monthly Menu Plans 2015

2014

Monthly Menu Plans 2013

2012

Monthly Menu Plans 2011



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