Meal planning for fall on a budget
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It’s the most wonderful time of the year – at least in my house. Nope, it’s not Christmas! Fall has finally, FINALLY arrived and we can meal plan accordingly. Our temperatures have dipped down into the 60s, and while we did have one 80-degree day last week, I think we’re almost safe to say fall is here.
I’ve had some unexpected car repairs the past two months, so I’m really trying to reign in my grocery budget. (My car NEEDS to be replaced, but I’m waiting for the right moment to buy a new one. These monthly repairs are not fun!) For my family of 4, I strive to keep a weekly budget under $125 – though I’d like to get closer to $100 per week, if not under. It’s not the tightest budget, but it’s a start for us.
Last week, we planned the following meals:
Beef and broccoli (in the Crockpot!)
Fajitas (check out my pre-cooked chicken)
Tacos
White Chicken Chili (in the Crockpot) – recipe coming soon!
Mac and Cheese on Friday (my husband and I attended a wedding, and this was easy for my dad and stepmom to have with the kids.)
Backup meals: burrito bowls, hot dogs and sandwiches.
On a Friday, I actually went online at lunchtime and ordered about half of my groceries through Shipt. I knew I was flying solo on Saturday and I didn’t want to drag my kids out grocery shopping if I didn’t have to. I spent about $45 on items we needed – and it was delivered to my house around 5:30. Free shipping! I ordered milk, cheese, organic chicken breasts, frozen vegetables, yogurt, fruit snacks, enchilada sauce, eggs, bread and bacon.
I’m basically stockpiling frozen vegetables as we’ll eat them a lot more now that the garden isn’t producing as much. Everything else will be eaten this week and spread into another week. Also, I need a lot of items for school/daycare lunches. Exhibit A:
This is my daughter’s lunch. She prefers ham, but not in a sandwich form. She likes fruit and vegetables. There is ranch dressing next to the carrots, but I had already sealed it so it won’t spill if the container gets knocked around. And the pretzels are filled with peanut butter. (I found these at Aldi over the summer, and my family can’t get enough of them!)
The kids and I went to an orchard that Saturday and I spent $11 on about 10 pounds of apples. (The kids picked apples, and this was way cheaper than buying them at the grocery store.) My kids have been going through a half bushel of apples every two weeks since Labor Day weekend. It’s apple insanity over here.
And I finished my grocery shopping at Aldi, spending $53 by the end of it. (I needed 2 pounds of steak and then a few staple items.)
So in total I spent $109 on groceries!
We have another couple of hectic weekends ahead of us, and I’ve loved using Shipt because it not only saves me time, but I’m not spending extra money on impulse buys. Once I place my order to Shipt, I can always add a few items and communicate with my shopper up until they check out! You can try Shipt for 2 weeks free. When you place an order of $35 or more, the delivery charge is free.
Let’s talk budget. How are you saving money with meal planning ahead of what will no doubt be a busy holiday season?
