How to Plan Meals and Actually Save Money

Sarah Brumley

Sarah Brumley

Does your pantry feel more like a black hole than a resource for meals? Or maybe you keep buying the same staples, only to watch half of them go bad before you use them? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone! In today’s episode, I’m breaking down two simple but powerful steps to help you simplify your grocery budget, waste less, and plan meals around what you already have. Stick around—this is going to be good!

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Let me ask you—do you ever find yourself standing in the kitchen at 5 o’clock, wondering what’s for dinner? Or maybe you’re tired of making multiple grocery runs every week? Trust me, I get it! And that’s exactly why I created the Monthly Meal Planning Bundle.

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Pantry Secrets: How to Plan Meals and Actually Save Money

Hey there, welcome back to the Financial Fix Up Podcast! I’m your host, Sarah Brumley, and I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s be honest—grocery budgets can feel overwhelming. I mean, have you ever stood in front of your pantry or fridge, stared at a bunch of random items, and thought, “How am I supposed to make a meal out of this?” Or maybe you keep buying the same staples week after week, only to find half of them going bad before anyone eats them. If that sounds familiar, you’re definitely not alone—and this episode is for you.

Today, we’re tackling the first steps to simplifying your grocery budget: auditing your pantry and fridge and planning meals around what you already have. Don’t worry—it’s easier than it sounds, and it can save you serious money, cut down on waste, and make your grocery shopping so much simpler. So, let’s go ahead and just get started.

Tip #1: Audit Your Pantry and Fridge

Okay, here’s the deal: we’ve all got that jar of mystery sauce lurking in the back of the fridge—the one you can’t quite remember buying—or the half-eaten bag of rice hiding in the pantry behind the snack shelf. It happens to the best of us. But here’s the thing: those forgotten items are actually little treasures. Auditing your pantry, fridge, and freezer is like going on a scavenger hunt—except instead of gold doubloons, you’re uncovering ingredients that could become dinner and, more importantly, saving money you’d otherwise spend on duplicates or unnecessary groceries.

Auditing doesn’t just clear out the clutter; it sets you up for success. Knowing exactly what you already have means you can plan meals more effectively, avoid waste, and stop spending on things you don’t need. And trust me, once you’ve done it, grocery shopping becomes so much easier because you’ll know exactly what’s missing and what’s not.

How to Do It

1. Pull Everything Out

Yep, I mean everything. It might sound extreme, but trust me—it’s worth it. Clear off a counter or table, and start pulling items from your pantry, fridge, or freezer. Lay them all out so you can see exactly what you’re working with.

  • Group similar items together—like canned goods, grains, snacks, or baking supplies. This makes it easier to spot duplicates.
  • Don’t forget those “hidden spots”—the back of the freezer, that weird corner in your pantry, or the crisper drawer in your fridge.

Pro tip: Turn on some music or a podcast (maybe even this one!) to make the process more fun.

2. Check Dates and Get Real

Here comes the part where you need to be a little ruthless.

  • Start by checking expiration dates. Anything long past its prime? Toss it. If it’s still good but nearing its expiration date, move it to the front of your pantry or fridge and make a plan to use it soon.
  • Be honest about what you’re actually going to use. That fancy spice mix you bought for one recipe two years ago? If you haven’t touched it since, it’s time to say goodbye.

Quick hack: For items close to expiring, jot down meal ideas directly on your list. For example, if you have canned black beans about to go bad, write “tacos” or “chili” next to them so you don’t forget to use them.

3. Write It All Down

Once everything is sorted, create a master inventory list. This doesn’t have to be fancy—just grab a notebook, use the notes app on your phone, or download a free pantry inventory template from my website.

  • Divide the list into categories: pantry, fridge, and freezer. This way, you’ll have a clear snapshot of what you already own.
  • Keep the list handy for meal planning or grocery shopping. Knowing that you already have three bags of rice means you can focus your budget on things you actually need.

Pro tip: Hang the list inside a cabinet or stick it to your fridge so it’s always visible. Updating it as you use items will save you time later.

Why It Matters

Taking an hour or two to do this will not only save you money but also reduce stress. No more standing in the grocery aisle wondering, “Do I already have this at home?” Plus, you’ll waste less food—and let’s be honest, wasting food feels like throwing money in the trash.

And who knows? You might even find inspiration for meals you hadn’t thought of. That bag of lentils you forgot about? Boom—lentil soup. The frozen veggies hiding in the back? Stir-fry night. Sometimes the best meals come from simply using what you already have.

So, go ahead, give it a try. You might even enjoy it! And don’t forget to share your best “pantry finds” with me—I love hearing your success stories.

Tip #2: Plan Meals Around What You Already Have

Alright, let’s talk meal planning—because if you’ve ever stood in front of the fridge wondering what on earth to make for dinner, you’re not alone. And if you’ve ever gone grocery shopping without a plan and spent way more than you meant to, well… been there too.

But here’s the trick: instead of planning meals based on whatever sounds good at the moment, start with what you already have. It’s like unlocking a secret superpower—saving money, cutting down on food waste, and feeling like a total genius when you turn random pantry finds into actual meals.

And no, this doesn’t mean eating the same boring thing every night. Let’s break it down so you can start today.

How to Do It

1. Check Your Kitchen First

Before making a shopping list, take a quick look in your pantry, fridge, and freezer. You probably already have the base for several meals and just don’t know it yet!

  • Got pasta and a can of tomatoes? Boom—spaghetti night is sorted.
  • Found tortillas and beans? Say hello to tacos this week!
  • A few eggs, some cheese, and spinach? Breakfast for dinner, anyone?!

Pro Tip: If you’re stuck, just Google your main ingredients with “recipe ideas.” Type something like “chicken, rice, broccoli recipe ideas” into the search bar, and you’ll get tons of inspiration.

2. Make Ingredients Do Double Duty

The key to stretching your grocery budget? Choosing ingredients that can be used in multiple meals.

  • That bag of spinach? Toss it in a smoothie for breakfast, sauté it with some chicken for lunch, and use it in your salad for dinner.
  • Got a rotisserie chicken? Use it for sandwiches one day, tacos the next, and then turn the rest into soup by the end of the week. You can also freeze some for future meals if there’s still leftovers!
  • Rice or quinoa? Serve it with stir-fry, use it in a burrito bowl, or mix it into a casserole. These two ingredients are staples in our home because we can use them with everything and they are shelf stable for quite a long while.

Ultimately, the more ways you can use what you buy, the less food (and money) goes to waste.

3. Leave Room for Flexibility

Meal planning doesn’t have to mean sticking to a strict schedule. Give yourself a couple of “wild card” nights for leftovers, quick meals, or whatever’s left in the fridge.

  • Call it “Freestyle Friday” or “Clean-Out-the-Fridge Night.”
  • Get creative—use up random veggies, half-eaten cheese, or that last bit of salsa.

Not only does this help cut down on waste, but you might also end up with a new family favorite!

Quick Meal Ideas

If you’re feeling stuck, here are a few quick and flexible meal ideas to get you started:

  • Stir-Fry: Grab some rice, frozen veggies, and whatever protein you have on hand—chicken, tofu, or even scrambled eggs work great. Toss it all together with soy sauce or teriyaki, and dinner’s ready in minutes.
  • Soup: Combine beans, canned tomatoes, broth, and any fresh or frozen veggies you’ve got. Add spices like garlic, paprika, or chili powder to level it up.
  • Breakfast for Dinner: Whip up eggs, toast, and some fruit on the side. Pancakes or waffles are always a fun option too, especially if you’ve got kids.

Common Challenge: The Picky Eater Problem

I get it—“pantry meals” don’t always sound exciting to kids (or, let’s be honest, adults). But you can make it fun:

  • Let your kids pick a theme for the week—something like Taco Tuesday, Pizza Night, or Breakfast Bonanza. Not only does it make the meals more exciting, but it also gives them a sense of ownership.
  • Or, let them help with the planning. For example, ask, “We’ve got tortillas and beans—what should we make with them?” When kids feel involved, they’re much more likely to eat what’s served.

Why It Works

Planning meals around what you already have isn’t just a money-saver—it makes life so much easier. No more last-minute grocery runs, no more wasted food, and no more “what’s for dinner?” panic.

So, what’s in your pantry right now? Take a look, make a plan, and let the magic happen! And if you come up with a genius meal idea, I’d love to hear about it!

How Will You Plan Meals and Save Money?

So, there you have it—two simple but powerful steps to kickstart your grocery budget. Audit your pantry and fridge, plan meals based on what you already have, and you’ll be amazed at how much money and stress you can save.

Give these steps a try this week and let me know how it goes! Did you uncover any “pantry treasures”? What meals did you come up with? Email me at sarah@lemonblessings.com—I’d love to hear from you!

And don’t forget, if you found this episode helpful, share it with a friend or leave a review. It helps others find the podcast, and I’d be so grateful.

Whatever you decide, just know that I’m cheering you on! You’ve got this! Have an amazing day, and I’ll chat with you again next time!

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