How To Get Started With Meal Planning…And Actually Stick To It

So you thought this was just a blog about investing- didn’t you? But I’m here today to talk about meal planning and maybe you’re wondering why.

We do a lot more for our clients than just plan for retirement here at Johndrow Wealth and one service we love to do as part of our holistic wealth management approach is crafting custom budgets. 

Why Meal Planning Is Important

Many of your expenses will be fixed, but the biggest carriable you can control (and the easiest place to go astray) is with your food budget. So instead of sharing my expertise as Johndrow Wealth’s Research Analyst, I am sharing my expertise as CEO of the Gillis household, population two busy working adults, three picky eaters and one golden retriever who recently got his head stuck in the dishwasher while sneaking in to lick the plates. 

Have you ever found yourself spending $200 at the grocery store and coming home with nothing for dinner? Throwing away those well-meaning organic veggies you were going to stir fry, or having the staff at Panera greet you by name?

Me too!!! A few years ago, I decided to get a handle on our out of control food situation. We are happier, healthier and wealthier because of it and you can do it too.

Why Most People Fail & Why You Will Succeed

A lot of people tell me that they just can’t handle meal planning and it sounds like too much work. Does it conjure up images of month-long spreadsheets, a freezer full of crockpot glop that all tastes the same, or a Sunday spent chopping and prepping for hours?

You’ve probably seen all these things on Pinterest and elsewhere and I’m here to tell you my big secret: It does not have to be a great plan, it just needs to be a plan.

Really, anytime you plan your meals, even if it’s a rotisserie chicken, a loaf of bread and a bag of carrot sticks (actual Gillis meal plan item), it is always going to be cheaper and healthier than going out.

My Approach

When I first started, planning meals for 7 nights was just too daunting and honestly, it still is. I started with planning three nights and I promise you can do it too.

In the beginning, I planned a big Sunday dinner with enough for leftovers for Monday, a crockpot dump dinner for Tuesdays when we are busy with after school activities, and then a crowd-pleaser for Wednesdays (my day off) so that we could have a nice mid-week check-in. 

I filled in Thursdays with a kid’s choice night (it’s usually something gross like hot dogs or Nachos), and either a leftover round up or pizza delivery on Fridays. 

We’re usually out with friends Saturdays and viola the week is over, I only did real cooking for three nights and NO ONE STARVED!

Key Takeaway

The important thing is not to take it too seriously. Some nights you will burn dinner and end up eating Cinnamon Toast Crunch (my family’s favorite culinary memory). You do not have to be a pro chef, a short-order cook or Pinterest perfectionist.

Grilled cheese and a can of tomato soup counts just as much as chicken cordon blue if it’s served up with love and some family time together.

Keep it easy and fun and you might find that you have more in your wallet at the end of the week for a nice dinner out that you truly enjoy, rather than some sad takeout that you bought on the fly.

So next time you’re in the office come with your investment questions, but don’t forget your favorite recipes and I’ll share mine too!

Written by Moriah Gillis

Moriah began her career in finance as a Marketing Analyst at Wellington Management Co, LLP—a Vanguard sub-advisor— where she supported the firm in creating custom proposals and presentations for large institutional clients.

While she enjoyed working with institutional investors, her interest in helping individuals led her to a position as an Estate Planning Analyst with Salomon Smith Barney. Eventually a move to San Francisco brought her to Ashfield & Co. Inc. as their Associate Portfolio Manager, where she focused on creating customized tax-sensitive portfolios and managing a wrap-fee program for Morgan Stanley clients.

In her free time, she enjoys exploring the great outdoors in New England with her husband, Joe, and three kids, Celia, Natalie, and Finn. You can find the Gillis family hiking, skiing and beach hopping. The current family-favorites are the beaches of Maine, with Vermont’s Jay Peak as a close second.