Autumn Savings: NerdWallet’s Guide to Efficient Meal Planning

Autumn has always held a special place in my heart, a sentiment that grew even stronger when I embarked on the journey of parenthood. Unlike the often hectic and financially draining summer months, filled to the brim with camps, family getaways, and the inevitable back-to-school shopping spree, fall brings a sense of order and routine that I truly cherish.

As part of our autumnal traditions, financial planning for this season extends beyond the usual expenses and dives deep into the realm of meticulous meal planning. With the resumption of school, sports, and earlier bedtimes, dinner becomes the cornerstone of our day—a reliable moment for my family to gather. However, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs without breaking the bank poses its own set of challenges.

Here are a few strategies I’ve honed over the years to ensure mealtime is enjoyable for everyone while also keeping our finances in check:

When I’m navigating the throngs of parents and children in search of the perfect binders and pencils to signal the start of a new academic year, I also take this opportunity to refresh our kitchen. A binder becomes the repository of our cherished recipes, neatly categorized for easy access—be these meals for weeknights, special occasions, or desserts. This simple act of preparation means that by the time Sunday rolls around, I can chart out our weekly menu with precision, cutting down on needless expenses and Last-minute takeout orders which can rival the cost of an entire week’s groceries.

Keeping meal planning fresh and engaging means venturing out into the vast world of culinary arts with enthusiasm akin to the back-to-school season. I allocate a part of my week to discover new recipes through a variety of channels such as beloved cooking blogs, the inventive worlds of Instagram gourmands, and the treasure trove of recipes found on platforms like The New York Times Cooking section. This pursuit of novelty brings joy and diversity to our table, with some experiments becoming beloved staples.

Navigating a family’s kaleidoscope of tastes, especially with the fickle palates of young ones, demands creativity. To this end, I’ve embraced the concept of deconstructed meals—a culinary counterpart to picking classes that cater to diverse interests but within a unified curriculum. Spaghetti nights, for example, see pasta, sauce, and toppings laid out separately, catering to every preference under our roof, from plain noodles to a fully assembled dish. Similarly, diverse dishes like soups and make-your-own pizzas serve not only as economical choices but also ensure that everyone’s tastes are accounted for without the need for multiple different meals.

Lately, my elder kids have stepped into the role of dinner masters once a week. This new tradition bestows upon them the responsibility of meal planning and cooking, gifting me a much-needed respite. Whether it’s the simple joy of a grilled cheese night or the more adventurous foray into new cuisines, watching my children take pride in their creations and understanding the effort involved in meal preparation has been incredibly rewarding for all of us.