Need to Save Money? Plan a Menu

Listening to a financial talk show a few days ago, it reminded me of something I knew, but had buried. As the lazy days of summer come to an end and I begin to get back into the swing of a regular routine, I'm looking for ways to simplify my life AND save money.

The money experts on the show gave all sorts of tips, including one that I've allowed laziness to stop me from using - plan a menu. Sounds simple right? And it is. Although I know there are some that may wonder just how that saves you money, so here goes.

At the end of each week, plan your meals for the following week before you head to the grocery store. That way, when you hit the supermarket, you know what items you need for the week. You want to make sure you have your coupons handy and that you take full advantage of all the great sales. But here's how it really saves you money.

How many times have you decided to cook a meal and as you go through all of the ingredients you need, you remember you're out of pasta, or sauce, or whatever. You figure you'll run into the store, buy what you need and head out right? If only it were that simple.

You walk in and realize your daughter's favorite juice is buy one get one free. Then, the sinus medicine you use has a $3 instant rebate. Not to mention, the diapers you use for the baby are half price. So, $100 later you have your jars of pasta, and a whole buggy filled with other items you had no intention on buying.

If you had taken the time to make a dinner menu for the week, this quick trip to the store wouldn't have been necessary. It only takes a few minutes and in the long run, will save you more than a few bucks.

Now, there may be times when you run out of milk faster than you anticipated, or unexpected guests throw off your menu count. It doesn't mean you can't make a quick trip to the store, but if you do, DON'T get a grocery cart. Think about it. If you stopped in just to buy a gallon of milk, do you really need something to carry it in?

Why do you think they have greeters at the front of Wal-Mart waiting to say hello and hand you a buggy? You're more likely to buy if you have a cart to put the items in.

And let's face it; eating out is getting more and more expensive for the wallet and the waistline. Studies show the portions adults and children receive at restaurants are double, indeed sometimes triple, the size of what would be prepared at home.

So, make a menu, try to limit your trips to the store and enjoy a home-cooked meal. Then, count up the savings.