I've found myself asking, "What's for dinner?" when my husband gets home from work far too often and I haven't planned ahead. Dinner is so much less stressful on me and on our budget when I make meal planning a priority. I'm going to share some of the tricks that help me keep my family eating healthy, wholesome, and budget-friendly meals.

1. Make your meal plan and stick to it.

Spend an hour developing your plan and a comprehensive grocery list to minimize trips to the grocery store as much as possible. It is way too easy to blow your budget running in for broccoli and coming out with a cart full of stuff you don't really need. Planning and shopping for only one week at a time will ensure food doesn't spoil before you get around to using it. You can even keep track of your list here on www.rememberstuff.me with the new grocery list feature.

2. Use whole cuts of meat.

They are cheaper than individual meal-sized portions of meat and they can save you an incredible amount of time and effort. One whole oven-roasted pork roast can turn into sandwiches, tacos, and a salad, even for a large family. One whole roasted chicken can be chicken Tetrazzini and chicken noodle soup.

3. Factor in a meatless meal at least once a week.

Proteins like beans and legumes are satisfying and inexpensive. Try black bean and sweet potato burritos next Meatless Monday! Beans also make great filler in meat-based dishes so that you can use less expensive meat and fill your family up just the same.

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4. Plan for at least one superfluous extremely quick and easy meal.

The temptation to call for take-out is strong when life gets particularly chaotic. If you accept the reality that sometimes life can get in the way of dinner prep and prepare for that eventuality, you'll save yourself money and the guilt that can come with fouling up your budget. That's what we call a Wild Card around here, and it can help you keep on track when your plan goes out the window.

5. Sit down with your local grocery store ads.

When you make your plan, decide what you'll make based on what's on sale that week. If both eggplant and Parmesan are on sale, it's a sign from above that you should make eggplant Parmesan this week! In that same vein, if you choose produce that is in season in your area, it tends to be less expensive.

6. Prepare double batches.

When you must prepare one ingredient (i.e., beans, pasta), consider planning to use a double batch that week, or learn how to freeze the extra. You can save time and money by using less energy and only boiling water for pasta once a week instead of several times.

7. Never underestimate the power of breakfast for dinner.

Foods that are traditionally intended for breakfast like eggs and bread for toast tend to be fairly low cost. Make omelettes, french toast casserole, or egg sandwiches for dinner. Your kids will thank you for the novelty, and your budget will remain intact.

Feeding a family on a limited budget isn't easy, but it's much easier when you make a plan and stick to it.

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