This week, I am continuing my freezer/pantry eating without an official menu plan. In fact, the next few weeks are a little odd here in the Flamingo flock, so most likely I will continue throwing together meals with what I already have on hand. I already know that I have quite a few meals hiding in my freezer.
Even though I don’t have my weekly meal plan planned out in detail this week, I do not wait until 5pm to decide what is for dinner.
A) Because that is not possible when we are in soccer season and it’s “go-go-go” when the kids get home from school.
B) It stresses me out knowing that 5 hungry flamingos will be staring at me by 6pm. I have enough stress, I do not need more.
So, it is indeed possible to function with only a semi-planned meal plan. However, I would never recommend this as a long term structure. I typically decide the day before or in the morning so I still have time to slow cook if needed.
I talk to so many folks that admit they are really still struggling with meal planning. I hear ya. I really do. If you fall into that category, I have yet another suggestion for you.
Consider using a menu planning service. Most menu planning services are fairly inexpensive. You will pay by the week or month. They will send a list of planned meals, plus your grocery list. Some services allow you to really customize your menu. Other services will base your menu on what is on sale that week at your local store.
It may seem counterintuitive to pay for something when you are trying to save money. However, I suspect you will recoup the small fee that is charged within one week. It will eliminate take out, extra store runs and the 5 o’clock stress “out”.
I personally have not tried a menu planning service, so I can not recommend a specific one. Would I ever use one? You bet. Depending on my season of life, it may be a way to maintain sanity while still saving money.
Do you need the menu planning jump start? Check out a few of these services:
E-mealz (this is the one recommended by Dave Ramsey)
Of course it is still cheaper to menu plan yourself. But sometimes we just need a little extra help. That is just life. It is okay. Really. It is.
Do you use a menu planning service? Have you ever? Are you going to start now? Let us know if using one saves you money in the end!
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I would love to hear your thoughts...I really would! Share your thoughts or personal frugal tips. I have so much to learn from you! But please, be kind.