She'd ask me what I wanted the upcoming week... I'd pick a few things, and she'd map out how to cook those and plan what to do with leftovers. We never "skimped" really, just planned on what to eat. She went to the store and bought only what she needed to cook her planned meals for the week.
The wife loved it. She likes to cook, and by knowing what she was making, she could focus on preparation without having to wonder what to make or whether she had what she needed.
Our food spending was cut in half. I'd recommend menu planning for anyone, not just people on a budget. It just makes sense.
That is a good idea. I bulk purchase from BJ’s. I typically go in every couple months and spend 600 bucks but have everything I need for my family of 6 for awhile except bread and milk, but everything else I have plenty of until next BJ run. I have had to start buying 3 gallons of milk a week....3 teenage boys and a little girl can go through milk like nobody’s business. Sometimes I am hoping that the 3 gallons last. Crazy!!!!! But I am glad they are all healthy....sadly my oldest just turned 17 so he will be a senior in September....Yieks! The whole college thing is different then when my wife and I attended. It just seems larger then life. The dorms today are like multimillion dollars homes.....lol....just a little exaggerated.