Feed YOUR Family For CHEAP! 🌟 Build Your Own FRUGAL Meal Plan!🌟

Making a meal plan is important! And learning how to build a frugal plan that is nutritious sometimes seems undoable....but you CAN DO IT! And, today, I am going to show you how!
I'll take you through all the steps of how I make my weekly meal plans and then I will take you through the grocery store to show which items will give you a TON of nutrition for the smallest cost!
Thanks for watching today!
Be sure to share you favorite frugal meal plan tips down below!!
For more helpful info, you can check out my meal plan & recipe playlists here- / @homemadesimplewithlori
There's also some really great info on these channels:
Fit Frugal Mom - / frugalfitmom
See Mindy Mom - / @seemindymom
Here's a useful meal planner/grocery list pad - amzn.to/45vzEfT
If you need a crock pot, here's a super affordable one! amzn.to/3UTCjvQ
(Thank you for using my Amazon Associate links! It really helps our family, since we get a small commission for sending you their way)
Find me on Instagram @ my_home_made_simple
📧 You can email me @ [e-mail]
🐌✉️ Want to send me snail mail??? YAY!!
My address is
PO Box 122
Woodstock, AL 35188
I'm adding more and more posts to my Patreon account, and would love for you join me there as well! NO financial obligation required! If you would like to join our Patreon community, you can find more info at
💕 patreon.com/Ho....
I hope you enjoy all of these recipes!
I love you!!!
Lori

[@sherrysawyer6819]

The book your mom made you when you got married is so precious. What a wonderful and beautiful gift! 💗

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

I think so too!

[@breezybre2670]

Thanks for makign videos that are safe for my 5 year old son to watch with me.

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

I appreciate you saying that. ❤️❤️

[@daniellejames8028]

I know, hard to find these days. #keepitpure

[@nancycarney]

I love how hard your work with such a good spirit.

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

❤️

[@hello-vs4me]

We were out of chicken went to go to Albertson's chicken leggs 99 cents thighs 99 cent got 2 big package 5.00 each big leggs package 3.78 spend 15.78 for 12 pounds of chicken

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Wow!

[@Myfavorites877]

I get chicken leg/thigh quarters on sale for $5.99 for 10 lbs and cut apart myself.

[@hello-vs4me]

My walmart has 10 pounds chicken leqq quarters 7.99 Southern California

[@abiyah3176]

My local H‑E‑B has chicken leg quarters of 10lbs for $6. I’m very blessed to have that store available. They do a great job of having layered pricing to help everyone. They have 2 different store brands to make food affordable for everyone.

[@jillgott6567]

Julie Pacheco, Save Saute, That Lisa FmDawn, Southern Frugal Momma are great channels in addition to Laurie's channel. I wish I could post a photo of the delicious pizza I am eating right now here at home. Most if not all the ingredients were on clearance or on sale. Yummm Part of the problem is many folks are not interested in being flexible in their meals. If, Spinach is on sale as opposed to Asparagus, we'll for me, it's Spinach. Meat I buy on manager's specials. Some weeks I eat the same leftovers but that's part of being an adult. I only cook for myself so lots of leftovers.

[@hello-vs4me]

Watch all those too

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

So true!

[@meloshea7895]

I watch all those you mentioned, plus See Mindy Mom. I'll have to check-out Save Saute. 😊

[@tenthousanddaysofgratitude]

For Meal planning, the old videos of the Bealles are great. Prices are out of date, of course, but Amanda used to do a grocery haul and meal plan, each week. She taught me to consider my family favourites recipes as a menu that I can choose from each week. She had a whiteboard with every day’s menu choice for the whole week in her kitchen. For families, that’s great. I’m single so my meal plan is typically a couple of dishes that get eaten as leftovers, every week.

[@hello-vs4me]

I love Julie Pacheco

[@sherrigibbs528]

Diane in Denmark has great vlogs on meal planning and decluttering. Thanks for encouragement.

[@lanadixon1822]

Cheering you on! This is how we work our food budget as well.

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Thanks for watching ❤️❤️

[@roreyb7]

Hi Lauri Lane is adorable I always appreciate the tips considering healthy foods .I know, you did not talk about it in this video but because of you I don't toss out pieces of onions or celery peppers and other various vegetables. I now store them in my freezer and use them when making souls or broth.This is definitely something I learned from you can't believe how much food I wasted in the past not any more so THANKS !

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Oh yay! Glad it was helpful. That is a good use of scraps!

[@karenforgacs3334]

I love what you had to say about potatoes and totally agree. On Sundays I often scrub, oil and bake whole potatoes in my large cast iron skillet. Then they are ready for the week to slice and fry up with onions for a quick side dish, hash browns for breakfast or cube and turn into potato salad or even soup. Love your channel 🌺💕🌸

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Tell me more about that! You keep them in the fridge? Do you cook them on the stove top or in the oven??

[@karenforgacs3334]

I bake them in the oven (skins on) and then store in a bag or bowl in the fridge. Anything I make with them is quick because they’re already cooked

[@susans9491]

That’s such a genius idea! Mind if I borrow it?

[@karenforgacs3334]

Please do!! Every little thing we can do to save time and money is helpful.

[@tinabartle8225]

Thank you for sharing as this has been a real challenge to for me🙂🙂

[@georgiawise8375]

Personally just started seeing frugal videos online. Frugal Queen in France finance and food ideas great. Any and all ideas are great.

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

❤️❤️

[@muwgrad1987]

Love your videos! I agree on pork tenderloin as what you get is lean meat, and you are not paying for bones and skin. Also, Lane is such a cutie!

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Thanks. He adds so much fun to life ❤️

[@Mimi2Three]

Lori i am a new subscriber and adore your channel!❤ it's just like being with a girlfriend sharing life. There are so many younguns that don't know how to grocery shop or meal plan. This was a great teaching video. Also, thank you for representing your faith without reservations. (I wear skirts and dresses too). Sharing your devotion time is so important.

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Glad you are here! Thanks for the encouragement ❤️❤️❤️

[@dakotacoren6936]

I really appreciate your wisdom! Thank you!

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Not sure how much wisdom I have, but I like to share these kind of videos!

[@madelineeverritt8874]

👏 bravo! Another great video. Someone gave us some canned foods. Which I was so thankful for. There were some peas and carrots. I don't know if it's the brand or what. It's duchess. I've never heard of brand before. For some reason, the peas are very hard. The carrots are good. Each can is that way. I don't know if I need to cook them longer? I've never cared for dry beans, until my daughter cooked some and put chicken bouillon in it. Big difference. My doctor wants me to eat more foods that are high in protein. Because of our belief, we don't eat pork. There are so many other meats. I can't thank you enough for everything that you do to help others like me. Have a blessed weekend everyone ❤

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

It’s funny how a little change with the dried beans helped! Glad that gave you a cheap protein option!

[@beccascraps8141]

Your kiddo is so cute and that setup is brilliant

[@bettyadkisson1681]

Another good cookbook is the joy of cooking. It has all kinds breads ,egg roll wraps for pennies. And goodhousekeeping cook book it has colored pictures of each dish and the best pizza dough recipe. I've been making and index card tablet with all favorite recipes everyone likes. So if I have too bug out its ready too go.

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Oh great tips! Thanks!!

[@crystaljordan7318]

Woo-hoo! Great video! I found 2lb bags of dry black beans on the walmart clearance shelf for $1 each! 50 cents/lb is the lowest ive seen in a long time! I had to share with someone who would appreciate a deal! Love y'all! ❤

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Wow! What a great deal! Those are $3 at my Aldi!

[@HollyBeeForYouAndMe]

If you like looking through cookbook another great resource is the library! Lots of cookbooks and culinary magazines to borrow and flip through. Also, some of my favourite cookbooks I bought were from second hand book stores or thrift stores. Happy cooking!

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Such a good point. Our library even gives a ton of books away! I love to look through old cookbooks!!

[@susans9491]

Your channel sends out such a powerful and positive message! (Cutie Lane doesn’t hurt, either!) I sometimes get to thinking I’m an old pro at frugal dining, for many years we’ve pretty much shopped for just sales and loss leaders. Lately, partially due to your encouragement, I’m spending a little more to increase the amount of organic and low ingredient foods. It’s kind of like, now that being a cheapskate for so many years has paid off, I feel we can afford to do this. It’s still difficult at times when I see ‘cheaper’ options, but I’m reprogramming myself to fully embrace the notion that you get what you pay for!❤

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Thank you so much❤️❤️❤️

[@ka6148]

I remember when we shopped weekly or monthly It was always tough, and expensive

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Yeah that is hard

[@sherrysawyer6819]

Really wonderful advice and video. Thank you for sharing this with us. Sending love to you and your sweet family; Lane is adorable!💗

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Thank you ❤️❤️

[@Nisa-gm5wg]

I feel like I hit the jackpot when I find sales at the grocery stores and staying under budget too. Love your channel and subscribed

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Thank you for subbing! I know what you mean-grocery discounts are always a great surprise!

[@gensguineas]

Very helpful video, tysm.

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Thanks for watching 😍😍

[@gensguineas]

@@homemadesimplewithlori you're welcome, have a beautiful weekend

[@rachelfrost]

I have a meal planner similar to what you have. It came from Tractor Supply. It's really helpful. As notice I'm running out of things during the week, I can jot them on my list. I usually make my meal plan based on the sales, particularly meat sales. I'm new at the homemaking thing, as I've only been married for less than 3 years, but I had a great example to watch for many years before that (my mom).

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

I’m glad you had a good teacher. That puts you decades ahead! ❤️❤️

[@hello-vs4me]

Finally made chimichanga chicken made with what i had so easy family loved them

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Yum. I love to get those in the restaurant but I’ve never made them at home!

[@hello-vs4me]

I made them with cooked chicken can of back beans and corn drain cans cooked chicken rice knorr added to mixture rapped in tortillas medium sized. Then fried in non-stick pan used Pam spray cook on both sized. First time making them just put black beans and corn in it family loves black beans. Good luck easy to make

[@angelafleming3328]

Hello Lori I haven't always been a big meal planner but over the last year since groceries are so high steak is off the menu but what i have is 3 freezers and i start with meats first i always have chicken because whenever aldi has chicken thighs 50% off I buy as much as I can get and pack it in the freezer. I also keep plenty of meals worth of hamburger and pork. I know hot dogs are not always the best but my mom always gets our favorite hot dogs on buy 1 get one from publix and she picked up 6 packs she kept 1pack because she is just feeding her but she gave me 5 packs into the freezer they go. I make my meal plan using some themes, taco tuesday it can also be burritos, nachos or taquitos, we usually have a pasta night, breakfast for dinner night, usually do a roast, meatloaf, ham if I have in my freezer from clearance sale, then we usually do chicken once a week, friday night is usually pizza night sometimes its french bread pizza when I need it easy if I am not so busy I make pizza crust from scratch we usually do either hamburgers or hot dogs and one or 2 nights a week we will clear out leftovers. I have lots of allergies soy, nickle, food dyes I also have to watch how much gluten I take in i can't have rice, beans, nuts, oats, pasta so I rely on meat , vegetables, fruits for myself so when I make meat I usually make a little extra for myself so when I make my family a meal that they like I still have something in leftovers for myself. I just have to say Lane is precious and I love all of you such a sweet kid. Take care and stay safe!

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

I always love to hear from you. You seem so busy and on top of things. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@hello-vs4me]

I already watch those 2 you have listed

[@hello-vs4me]

We are growing tomatoes and bell peppers from apartment

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

YAY!!!!!

[@elizabeth.torres5206]

I love your video very informative and good tips on frugal shopping on a budget. Aldis is definitely my go to shopping store with great deals, I started buying less processed snacks and trying to make homemade ones if it's easy which can be challenging with a picky eater. $230 is my monthly food budget so far so good.

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

That’s a great budget! Thanks for watching ❤️❤️

[@becky9194]

Great video - one of your best that I have seen!

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Wow, thanks!

[@kristieweeks3904]

Lori, I just subscribed to your channel. Such good information in this video. I feel like if we could all focus on items like you mentioned we would have such a well stocked pantry and be able to make so many well balanced meals for our famly. Homemade is always better! Looking forward to watching more of your videos!

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Thank you so much for subbing! Welcome!!

[@lisaremy4817]

Thank you Lori, always love your videos. ❤

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Thanks!

[@breezybre2670]

I am laughing because my kitchen has the exact layout like yoursand my utnesil bin and egg basket are in the same place as yours!

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Oh wow!

[@muwgrad1987]

I appreciate your recipes because they are at my skill level and budget, and they are delish! If you ever wanted to do videos on what to do with a large bag of chicken leg quarters or a 3-pound roll of ground beef, I would watch and take notes!

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Great suggestion!

[@afellowghoul7353]

thank you for this! i hope im graced with beautiful hair like yours as i live life

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

That is so kind. I know it might look better if I colored it but I know myself well enough to know that I won’t keep up with it 😕

[@deborahjanik1116]

What an awesome video and I love the teeny tiny voice at the end that says goodbye love you

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Thanks! Yes! Hes doing so good!!

[@juanagil4355]

Really good video, very helpful thanks

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Great to hear!

[@shellyturner2766]

❤ nice job with the pace of delivering this information.

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Thank you!

[@BlessedMomof7]

I'm not sure if this was in the video or not, but I have a price book I keep for the stores I shop at the most. I started it by writing down items and their prices at aldi. Aldi does raise the costs from time to time of their products but not more than a few cents. When making my menu plan I add up the prices of the things I would need to make those meals using the price book. If it will cost too much, then I change a meal or two with second choices. I try to leave $5 unspent in my grocery budget in case we need to go back and get any extra bread, produce, etc. This is possibly an ocd method for meal planning, but it consistently keeps me from going over my budget every week, especially since I use a credit card, not cash, for my purchases.

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

How smart! I need to be more organized.

[@hello-vs4me]

Have been cooking off stockpile for month only buy meat when it is at the cheapest price

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Yay!

[@hello-vs4me]

Correction cost 13.78

[@hello-vs4me]

I have 6 stores in my town Southern California

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Wow! That’s nice!

[@susans9491]

You lucky duck! We live in rural northern Vermont with one smaller Hannaford grocery store. No Aldi, over an hour to Costco. 45 minutes to a Price Chopper. The main thing I miss about living in suburbia!

[@Buff19]

@@susans9491we’re in a small town too. I’m so thankful for our little IGA but I can’t grocery shop there on the regular. The other stores are 50min away. I always say I can’t chase sales bc I only go to town once, maybe twice per week but during some weeks in the summer and winter it will be several weeks before I drive back to town.

[@susans9491]

@@Buff19 That sounds very similar to our situation! I keep a pantry and well stocked freezer, and I call it ‘power shopping’ when I do get to Costco or Aldi.

[@georgiawise8375]

I buy box 60 eggs 7.47 which is 12cents an egg.

[@breezybre2670]

Insanely cheap..wow!!!

[@tinabartle8225]

Me to was at a sentry store and a dozen was $7.59 ugh I just walked right buy them but they are the only supermarket on this side of town to but I’d go without before I’d pay that much for a dozen

[@bettietaylor1571]

Goodwill is a good source for cookbooks. $1 to $2.

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Yes!

[@hello-vs4me]

If your going to br real busy make freezer meals and you will be set

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Good idea!

[@tenthousanddaysofgratitude]

I’m curious why you didn’t mention cottage cheese as a frugal protein. Good job on the video. 💖

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

I just didn’t think of it specifically, but I did mean to include it with the whole dairy products mention. You are so right! It is a great food item!

[@hello-vs4me]

My freezers are full now cooking from stock pile have been for last month

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Yay!!!

[@autobotdiva9268]

sloppy joes is my go to meals for the boys

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

I forget how good and easy they are!!!

[@Crystal-r8z]

Where did you get the recipe notebook, the one you keep on your counter?

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Michaels!

[@Crystal-r8z]

Thank you for responding. By the way your videos are amazing. I'm learning so much from you. Keep up the awesome work you do 😊

[@beccascraps8141]

Potatoes regulate sugars? My diabetic hubbys numbers RAGE with potatoes, second only to rice

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Hmmm. Maybe that is only for people without insulin resistance issues…maybe I was wrong. I looked it up and thought it was a good source. Sorry!

[@hello-vs4me]

I have cook books I get alot of meals off utube and some of yours

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

💗💗💗

[@Myfavorites877]

New subscriber 🙋🏻‍♀️. Did you say you were from Alabama?

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Yes!! Are you????

[@Myfavorites877]

@@homemadesimplewithlori Yes I am. Fayette County.