Trying to figure out dinner at the last minute is no easy feat. It’s a little easier with a plan in place. Menu planning takes a little bit of work, but it’s worth with the time and money you can end up saving because of it. Here are some simple tips for easier menu planning, and a free printable to go along with it!

Menu Planning Tips

Plan from your cupboards, sales, and coupons

My method of menu planning includes first looking through the fridge, freezer, and cabinets to see what we already have. I go from there and look at what’s on sale and what coupons are available.

Keep a list of go-to meals

We definitely have our favorite meals that we rotate through. Every once in awhile we throw something new in to try it out. Sometimes the new recipes even make it into the rotation!

Stay Flexible

For me, planning works best having a list of meals for the week but not necessarily plugging them into certain days. I’ll have a general idea of what I’d like to fix when, but for the most part I just have a few meals planned that we have all of the ingredients for.

Have back-ups on hand

There’s nothing wrong with PB&J, grilled cheese, or even cereal for dinner every once in a while.

Menu planning is a little more fun with a cute printable, right? So here is one I made just for you:

Click here to download my printable menu planner

How do you plan your menus?

~ This post is part of the October Series on Taking Time to Rest, Re-Charge, and Take Care of Yourself! ~

Free Planning Bundle