Double up on items to use more than once that week. For example, plan to use that giant bag of chicken that’s on sale in two recipes to simplify your life and help your budget. Or, if you buy a whole head of lettuce for a rice bowl, plan a salad later in the week to finish it off. Less waste. More savings.

Once you make a meal, don't forget it in the fridge. That wastes food and money (and it’s gross to clean out later). Portion that casserole out in reusable containers so you’ve got lunch for a day or two. Or put a leftovers night on the meal planner.

When rice, steam-in-the-bag veggies, pasta, spices, sauces or other staples that won’t go bad go on sale, stock up on these so you can use them throughout the month. Just make sure you factor this into the budget.

If you try a new meal and everyone raves about it, save that recipe! When you’re feeling stuck one week as you stare down the calendar, pull out one of these tried and true recipes and make it again.

Now that a lot of grocery stores have apps and websites, you can find discounts before you go to the store. Before you shop, take some time to look for weekly deals and coupons for specific items.

Let’s say you’re buying all the ingredients for chili—because ground beef and beans are on sale this week. This is the perfect time to double that recipe, freeze half, and enjoy the rest a couple weeks later. Think ahead and your future self will thank you.