The Frugal Teacher: Let meal planning save your sanity (and your budget!)

BY CHRISTY JONES

With the cost of groceries skyrocketing, it’s important to try and cut costs wherever you
can—and one of the easiest ways to do that is through meal planning. Trust me, it doesn’t
have to be complicated. In fact, I’d argue it’s one of the simplest things you can do to reduce
stress, save money, and avoid that daily “what’s for dinner?” panic. Here’s how to get it done
every week:

Step 1: Know your schedule

The first thing I recommend is to look at your family’s calendar for the week. Grab a piece of
paper and a pen and write out the days of the week while remembering to cross off any nights
when you won’t be home or won’t be cooking. Blocking off those busy days helps you avoid
overplanning and wasting groceries on meals you likely won’t get around to making.

Step 2: Plan just 5 meals

Plan only five dinners each week. Trying to plan for seven nights can be overwhelming—and
honestly, unnecessary. Plans change, leftovers happen, and sometimes we just want cereal for
dinner. I pick meals based on what’s in season and what my family enjoys (pro tip: chili doesn’t
hit the same in July). We also repeat our favorite meals every few weeks, which keeps things
simple and predictable. Rotation is key. No one complains when Taco Tuesday shows up again.
It’s comforting. Like sweatpants, but edible.

Step 3: Write it down for everyone to see

Once you’ve chosen your meals, put that piece of paper on the fridge so everyone knows what
to expect. This simple act can completely eliminate the annoying “what’s for dinner?” question in
your house. If anyone asks, send them to the fridge to find out for themselves. There’s power in
writing out your meal plan and posting it, too. It holds you more accountable and reduces
decision fatigue, so it’s a total win.

Step 4: Grocery pickup = game changer

Use your phone to place a grocery pickup order with everything you’ll need for the week’s
meals. Try to schedule the pickup for a time that works with your (very busy) life.

I rarely step foot inside a grocery store anymore. Not only does it save time, but it also helps me
avoid impulse buys. Shopping online lets me stick to my list and keep a running total so I stay
within my grocery budget. Pull into a parking spot, check in using the app, pop the trunk, and
you’re done—so easy!

Step 5: Cook (but stay flexible)

Cook the meals as planned—usually on their assigned days—but also give yourself grace when
life throws you a curveball. Remember to plan one night as a leftovers night, which helps
reduce food waste and gives you a break from cooking.

Final thoughts

Meal planning can make a huge difference in how you manage your time, budget, and family
dinners. It’s not about cooking elaborate meals or filling every night with something new. It’s
about being prepared, reducing stress, and saving money in the process. If you’ve never tried
meal planning, now’s a great time to start. Keep it simple, stay flexible, and find a system that
works for your family. And hey, even if you only half-stick to the plan, that’s still a win. The goal
isn’t perfection—it’s simply making life a little easier, one meal at a time, and saving money in
the process.

Christy Jones is a teacher at Chiefland Middle High School.