Budget and meal planning for the week

 I went to Target the other day.  I can’t remember what I was going for, but I ended up in the cereal aisle.  I thought “holy moly there are a lot of options for cereal, do people really buy all this cereal with such high inflation?”

 

And then I thought “well, you buy a lot of stuff, and spend a lot of money on food that you don’t need.”  I check myself A LOT!

 

I went to Aldi this week and really tried to only buy things I needed, but then they had myfavorite store bought tortilla chips, I checked the date on the bag… and bought 2.  Yes, the price was better than Meijer or Kroger but I could have bought cheaper chips.

 

I have lived through a time when I didn’t have a lot of money.  I know how to stretch a dime.  But I don’t always have to now.  

 

I created a budget on YNAB and I promise you, it changed my life.  Here is my referral code. https://ynab.com/referral/?ref=BaS5DAnjN2vEwfrW  And to be honest, I wasn’t as strict with it as I should have been.  But this year, I am back on track, and being YNAB broken, ain’t no joke!

 

I’ve been working on my menu today, thinking about what I have in the freezer and pantry.

 

I make a few things for the week and then eat leftovers.   And I can improvise a little because sometimes I don’t have everything needed. 

 

I really try to veg up everything.   Eat more plants.

 

I made quiche this morning but didn’t have bacon but I had ham left on the bones from what I served my friends yesterday.  Even though eggs cost a lot more than they used it, they are still a decent cost per serving 😏

 

https://www.budgetbytes.com/bacon-broccoli-cheddar-crustless-quiche/

 

I chose this recipe because not only is it delicious it’s cheap!  Pinto beans are my favorite!

 

https://elavegan.com/pinto-bean-soup/#recipe

 

I have some flank steak in the freezer so I am going to make this recipe, and I will serve it with roasted cauliflower with taco seasoning.

 

https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/loaded-crockpot-carne-asada-tacos/

 

I bought a bunch of chicken thighs two weeks ago because it was on sale so I will make this.  I will serve with rice, broccoli, and peas.

 

https://www.budgetbytes.com/easy-teriyaki-chicken/

 

I hope sharing is helpful for your budget (seriously, if you struggle with finances check the link) I am happy to help you navigate the system, the thought process and what works for me!