Back When Every Dollar Counted
When I first became a stay-at-home momma, every dollar mattered. With just one income and a tight grocery budget, I had to learn how to stretch meals and squeeze the most out of every sale. I even stuck to cash at the grocery store, because swiping a card made it way too easy for expenses to sneak up and push us over budget.
I didn’t think my method was anything special…until I casually shared it at coffee one morning with friends. When I mentioned that I check all the local grocery sales each week and plan our meals around what’s discounted, jaws dropped.
Apparently, not everyone meal plans like this.
My 4-Step Grocery Game Plan
Step 1: Check all the sale ads. Each Sunday, I check the grocery apps for weekly sales at the nearby stores and Aldi on Wednesday. Be sure to join every store’s rewards or coupon program for even more savings on top of sales.
Step 2: Stock up on sale proteins.
Family-sized packs of chicken, ground beef, or pork go straight into freezer bags. I trim and portion them myself so I can just grab what we need for each meal.
Step 3: Fill in with produce and staples.
I plan sides, snacks, and fruit around what’s on sale. Store brands are my go-to for everything including buns, chips, condiments, even cookies. (The only name-brand item I can’t give up? Keebler Fudge Stripes. If you’ve found a dupe, let me know!)
Step 4: Build meals that stretch.
I love dinners that last 2–3 days but don’t linger long enough to turn into a sad science experiment. Lunches stay simple – sandwiches, bagels, English muffins, or even mini frozen pizzas.
A Real-Life Budget Meal Plan (1 Week)
Here’s what one week might look like when I meal plan around sales. (Note: swap in whatever’s on sale at your local store!)
- Monday: Sheet pan chicken & veggies (use pre-portioned freezer chicken breast + seasonal veggies)
- Tuesday: Ground beef tacos with off-brand shells + frozen corn (pre-portioned freezer hamburger)
- Wednesday: Leftovers + bagged salad
- Thursday: Spaghetti night with store-brand pasta + jarred sauce (add pre-portioned freezer hamburger) + garlic bread
- Friday: Homemade pizzas (fun and cheap!)
- Saturday: BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches (using pre-portioned freezer chicken)
- Sunday: Breakfast-for-dinner (eggs, Aldi bacon, pancakes and fruit that was on sale)
Stretching Groceries and Skipping Waste
I’ve even been known to drive across town for a $2 off soda deal. No regrets. Saving a few dollars here and there adds up, especially when you’re living on one income.
My daughter, however, has become a “name-brand detective.” Ritz crackers? Only the real deal. Peanut butter? Only her favorite brand. Kids know what they like and sometimes no off-brand will cut it.
Why Meal Planning Still Works for Us
Even years later, I still check those weekly circulars. I’m not as strict as I used to be, but meal planning around sales continues to save us money and keep our pantry full. And yes, the freezer is still stocked with portioned-out meat packs.
Meal planning on a budget was one of the best habits I built as a stay-at-home mom. It helped us thrive on one income and gave me confidence that I was doing something practical for my family.
Let’s Chat
Do you shop around to save on groceries?
What’s your one non-negotiable brand-name splurge?
Drop it in the comments – I love hearing how other families stretch their grocery dollars!
Mindful Momma Moments 
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