✨REALISTIC✨ Family Budget Meal Plan for a Week!

[@emilyann342]

Thanks to you, I am able to feed my family of 7 for less than $120 a week. We all appreciate you, Mindy, thank you!

[@SeeMindyMom]

That is impressive! I grew up in a family of 7 and that would have been a tough budget back then! Great job!

[@lucyritz6382]

Wow! Great job!!👍😊

[@hopehealinghomestead462]

I’d love to know your tips !

[@marceitamartin8279]

Same family of 7 sometimes 8.

[@gailwentz8296]

That is awesome!

[@TeresaRaab-hb5co]

The Food Network needs to give you your own show. I think that so many could really relate to your cooking and meal planning style.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Wow, thank you! I'm not sure I have my "act together" enough for national TV, but I'm glad I have a place to share ideas here. :)

[@Kymom776]

One thing I have done since I have been married is take 300.00/500.00 out of our tax return go to Sam’s and stock up on nothing but meat and break it down once home into meal sizes and then I continue to spend my usual weekly budget which is 100.00/150.00 and obviously rotate but helps me stay a head all year by getting the freezer completely full then Continuing to buy the meat we need.

[@SeeMindyMom]

That's a great strategy!

[@MrsAlmaTrumble]

This channel is a blessing to everyone who watches. Thank you for all you do, Mindy.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thank you! I am so grateful for your continued support and encouragement. You always go out of your way to leave me a kind comment, and I so appreciate it! :)

[@MrsAlmaTrumble]

@@SeeMindyMom you're so very welcome, friend. Thank you. That's just who I am and I'm that way outside of KZbin.

[@katdelrio5316]

I think it's easier to keep the budget down if your family is satisfied with small portions. Or if your kids are younger. My boys are 6' 5" and thin, but they eat like an army. I never have leftovers. Lol. They burn a lot of energy at work. They work overnights at a paper mill. So I make them breakfast, and they crash, then get up for dinner. They're 20 and 21. We aren't pushing them out the door because rent is outrageous in our area. One of the boys is paying off his truck, and the other is paying on student loans. But I did sit them down and tell them they had to take turns chipping in for groceries. Because I have been struggling to feed them since high school when they shot up like weeds and started eating everything in sight. Lol. So we do a weekly rotation. For our family of 4, it's consistently been between $250-300 each week. Everyone chipping in is the only way we're getting by. Each boy eats a whole pizza on his own. And they are still hungry. I mean, it just takes a lot to fuel their bodies and have the energy they need to operate their machines, pack and stack boxes, etc. I find casseroles and bulky crockpot meals to be the biggest bang for our buck. I cook from scratch pretty much every day. Convenience meals are a luxury.

[@cherylwagner3309]

We have a family of four teen and young adult boys and they do almost eat a whole pizza themselves. I would probably buy 3 of them. There are not a lot of leftovers around here either. Overall, I love the recipes and ideas presented in these videos. So helpful for saving money and my boys love the recipes. We spend about $350ish a week. Ok, probably $400. Treats are important!

[@amandadavis5658]

I understand!! My husband has to have a lot of protein in each lunch and dinner, and still has a snack! You sound like a good mom!

[@MommaLifeBeLike]

I totally get this! We have 7 in our house and 3 of them will eat a whole pizza and still be hungry! We finally got it figured out so we are only spending $200 or less each week when shopping and this includes personal care items, cleaning supplies, and pet care/food for two dogs and a turtle!

[@inspiredtosoar3526]

Same here! Made her 5 dollar bean crockpot recipe last night! So yummy and my 22 year old picky eater couldn’t stop eating it😂

[@ej3016]

am the other extreme from families with “big hungry kids” - have only ever cooked for myself - now late in life (am a new pensioner soon) am wheat / lactose intolerant and a greatly restricted diet thnx to migraine clusters originating during COVID 🥴 scratch cooking for one on a fixed budget and months from being on an even tighter budget - no cutting corners with prepared anything - I need to know everything in everything - so much for 65 being the new 40 - not in this household - not sure why am watching this on Dec 24th - keep warm stay well 🇨🇦🙏

[@dmmrad54]

I am a senior on a fixed income. Thank you for these great ideas. I have always been frugal, but the prices of food and everything else has me in cheap cheap mode.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Glad I can help!

[@eeriingraacee]

I’m a new wife and have almost no experience in the kitchen so your videos have been so helpful for me to get ideas for making meal plans for my husband and I! Thank you so much for all the work you put in these ❤️

[@dianasimplifies]

I had zero cooking experience and there was no YT when I got married! You are on the right track here for sure!!! ❤🎉

[@SeeMindyMom]

My pleasure! Cooking is "on the job training" for most of us. :) When I first got married, I had a 5-ingredient cookbook that was such a lifesave.

[@jasonjjj27]

You don't have to be a master chef to cook good food. Start out by learning how to cook good pot of rice and a good pot of beans. This can be a cheap and healthy base for many dishes to expand outward from there.

[@kyrastuart1920]

I love the addition of the carrot to the popcorn mix. “Now it’s healthy!”

[@jenn9119]

I loved that too! BUT I loved, even more, how much you truly enjoy your kids! The big laugh was everything! 😂❤😊

[@chantelgreig921]

I love this style of video how you did a budget grocery haul then showed us what you cooked for dinner and meal ideas with it

[@SeeMindyMom]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@anpe4970]

I love how realistic your mealplans always are.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thank you! That’s one of my main goals.

[@mareebryant3909]

I just went onto a generic grocery website here in Australia (Coles) - I didn't buy all of the treats that you listed. I added hommus, sweet potatoes & I had to buy 2 regular size pizzas as they aren't as giant here in Australia! Generally I shopped the absolute lowest unit price and took advantage of buy 1 get 50% off the next. We're a family of 3 in Brisbane & this meal plan would cost $240. Thank you SO much for the ideas & the challenge!

[@PhilipDonna1982]

Your content is always so practical and that is so important. Meals with fancy ingredients and spices are nice but basic, simple, accessible foods go a very long way in feeding us. Also your USDA reference is so helpful. My husband will be involved in wage negotiations with his employer soon and this data will be very helpful to him and his union brothers and sisters in making a case for wage increases over the $.25 an hour, yes that’s twenty-five cents an hour, the company thinks is “generous.”

[@SeeMindyMom]

I'm glad I can help give some ideas. Thank you for the encouragement and for watching! :)

[@MrChocolateButterfly]

Could not have posted this video at a better time! I am in super saver mode because we have a very expensive spring break vacation coming up. Thank you so much! ❤

[@SeeMindyMom]

Glad I could help!

[@Olive_O_Sudden]

'Spring of Deception'! A nice alternative to the butterscotch chips would be toffee bits (Heath or Skor).

[@SeeMindyMom]

Agreed!

[@jannifercopley4787]

The sadness that hits at around minute 17:50ish when you realize you cant be excited about it being Friday because youre watching the video on a Monday. 😂😭

[@SeeMindyMom]

I know! I really didn’t schedule this right, now that I think of it. I should have released it on a Thursday! 😂

[@jannifercopley4787]

@@SeeMindyMom I'll rewatch it again on Friday just so I can be in agreement with your family's excitement about the weekend. 😁❤️

[@jesstodd8246]

Mindy - "It's Friday, Woohoo!" Me - watching this on the Mondayest Monday ever! I'm gonna get there eventually! 😂 Thank you for this video, I am meal planning right now and adding some of your ideas! ❤

[@SeeMindyMom]

Okay, it's funny you say that because just this morning I was telling my editor, "I'm having a very Mondayish Monday"!!! Must be something in the air. :) We'll all get through it!

[@moniquesandoval8493]

Super helpful that you show both the dish, ingredients and make it a printable sheet!!!

[@amandasnailtasticnails9657]

Have you done a Roman noodle upgrade video. I’d love ideas of how to upgrade them.

[@mindalick8867]

use strong instant black coffee instead of beef broth, makes a delicious gravy for your pot roast

[@angelag669]

I love "Mr. Holland's Opus". It makes me cry every time. As a former band student (high school and college), it brings back such great memories.

[@morganbailey3357]

This is absolutely amazing! So realistic for a mom with kids. Love how it’s on a budget but is not bare bones.

[@stephanierossello]

I add a little Kitchen Bouquet seasoning when I use ground turkey or chicken to give it a little beefier flavor.

[@lisaharr1477]

Where were you when I was raising my kids ??? 🤣🤣🤣 seriously your ideas would have helped me so much ! You are a blessing Mindy ! You are very creative and your meals are delicious too !! Young families are so fortunate to have your ideas to follow !! I am a grandma now, but I still love the meals you create, and who doesn’t like to save money ??? I know I do !!! 💕💕💕💕💕

[@MelissaNickels-h5y]

Please make more videos like this. They are my favourite and so helpful.

[@ashleypelton]

We are a family of 4 with a $300-$400 monthly grocery budget. It feels hard to do, but I have a well stock kitchen and shop all the big sales at kroger, target and wal-mart for non-sale items. I find our Aldi's and HEB really isn't cheaper when I'm working the sales at other stores. Thanks for the ideas, ibwas just thinking about making meatballs this week. I don't have a box of stuffing but I do have breadcrumbs, oats, eggs and tons of seasonings; so I think I can make it work. Im off the making cinnamon rolls from scratch. Happy Cooking!

[@jasonjjj27]

I am currently budgeting 50$ a person per week for food. So for a family of 4 I am spending 200$ on food. I know I can go tighter, but I also want some comfort too.

[@nancycarney]

I am so tired at the end of a grocery shopping day. The Take & Bake pizza from Aldi is so good and so cheap. If there is a slice leftover I eat it for lunch the next day. Grocery shopping is something I use to love. Now it is so stressful due to our needs and budget. I do have to go to two stores. Aldi is also my "go to" for italian meats for a good pasta salad or a charcuterie.

[@nicolesobol936]

Aldi’s pizza is always dinner on grocery shopping day! 😂

[@SeeMindyMom]

It’s becoming a tradition here, too!

[@mrskimmieg]

Mindy, what a blessing you are to so many! Thank you for always being so kind, calm and positive. 😊

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thank you for the kind words and encouragment!

[@mirandalindman5091]

Just love all your videos & ideas Mindy. What a blessing you are. ❤ So appreciate you have chosen to share your many gifts with the rest of us.

[@lynbomb1]

That fend for yourself breakfast is a great idea. Thanks 😊

[@hardenmama1800]

Thank you, Mindy! These are great videos/ideas. I appreciate all the work you put into creating your videos.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thank you! That is very encouraging to hear, I appreciate it. :)

[@amberlindo9560]

Box stuffing: I had a bunch left over after supper and it always gets pushed around in the fridge. To use it up, I made it into an egg bake. Everyone loved it.

[@aurorakitzmann914]

My husband and I have a grocery budget of $200 a month. We’re both teachers and do not make a whole lot. He’s also picky and doesn’t like beans and many vegetables so I have to get creative with the meals I plan out. Thankfully with just the two of us I can make two big meals a week and that will last us the whole week.

[@maryrobinson2911]

Love love love Mr Hollands Opus, one of if not top 3 movies I've seen , thanks for sharing, movies in that genre don't seem to be made any longer

[@nanar.8088]

Loved how that baby carrot made the popcorn snack more healthy. Another great video!

[@ellierockefeller5918]

I really love this video, especially with the printables for shopping! It covers everything, thank you!!

[@tylerbrown3996]

Always admire your creativity. These are great videos for inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@SeeMindyMom]

My pleasure!

[@melann7380]

Great video and very impressed with all the food you were able to purchase and put to good use. Those recipes all looked delicious and I especially want to try that pasta salad and the brownies

[@cindydaniel6125]

Great video. Lots of yummy ideas. My hubby wouldnt eat some of them though. Thanks and i hope youll do more of these in the future. I need those brownies😊

[@danaa6283]

Very well done! You have shown people how to make great meals without having a stroke either over the cost or the time. It CAN be done!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thank you!

[@mimitravels710]

Your videos are fabulous! Just found your channel

[@sandralauersdorf6268]

The "false spring" is kinda like the "Indian summer " that we get here in Wisconsin!

[@moniquejohnson6075]

I love this channel! Im married and we have a 2 year old together and watching your videos has really helped and inspired me to cook a lot more often. Thank you!

[@sarahivilla9728]

Thank you easy dinner ideas for time change week is great!

[@SeeMindyMom]

so true!

[@TheErinSea]

What a jewel! Thank you so muc. We're cleaning out the fridge now, then going on a road trip, but I'll need this to recoup the budget after vacation!

[@teresanorris4769]

Thanks for the ideas. There is enough food in this plan to feed my family of 3 adults and 1 child for 2 weeks.

[@katherinegeller750]

I usually buy my meat reduced.im working my way through the freezer today was chicken pot pie soup 😋 it's just me so I struggle with making a meal plan I have lots of cook books maybe someday I'll use them 😂

[@debrabowen4276]

Mindy, thanks to you, I have greatly increased my confidence and utility in the kitchen over the past year or so. You are an inspiration, and so appreciated!

[@SeeMindyMom]

That's fantastic! I'm so glad I could help!

[@MC-dr4vp]

I love how accessible your recipes are. As a busy professional, I’m always looking for easy to prepare meals. I always look forward to your videos for new ideas.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thank you! I try to be realistic with the meals I present and videos I make. Time is a valuable resource, too! :)

[@kwest5171]

If your family likes seafood, stuffing is fantastic for making crab cakes. Imitation crab meat can be relatively cheap and with some inexpensive stuffing, you have a fantastic dinner option.

[@lisapalmer4725]

2:16 good idea

[@kathyk9519]

I like how your little girl put the carrot in the popcorn mix and said "now its healthy." That's cutesy funny 😀 I'm going to make some of these meals just cuz they look so yummy!!! I like to put a little beef bouillon in my turkey with a splash of the w sauce. It takes a little taste testing, but it works for my family. Thanks again for these extremely valuable videos!

[@lucyphenicie5236]

Thanks for all great shopping ideas, and meals. Not real fancy time-consuming things,fairly simple. Keeping it real for us. And new things. Please keep them Coming. All the best to your family!!

[@miss.danilee]

This is an awesome video! I hope you do more in the future!!! ❤

[@SeeMindyMom]

More to come!

[@kathrinmariakrause5351]

For the meatballs you can save even a bit more if you have leftover bread/breadrolls (I actually always have a bag in the cabinet with leftover rolls) Soak them in milk and add them to the ground beef instead of stuffing mix. Season generously and enjoy tasty meatballs:-) P.S.: Excellent pronunciation on Tzatziki

[@jtaimeish]

Thank you SO much for all these videos!!! ❤❤❤

[@francesmoseley3316]

Thanks Mindy for another great video!!! I love Mr. Holland's Opus! You always have such good meal ideas. They work well whether cooking for a family or (as I do) cooking for one.

[@keiauda]

I’ve been watching you for a few years and love your content. This video in particular is the EXACT content I need. That’s my budget and I mainly shop at Aldi. I love that you use the ingredients across multiple recipes so nothing goes to waste and it’s cheaper. I try to do this on my own, but it takes a TON of time to plan. So THANK you for doing it.

[@SeeMindyMom]

I'm so glad I can help! yes, the planning of the meals so we can use ingredients across multiple dishes is the trickiest part for a lot of us. I am a person who likes puzzles and "figuring stuff out" so I enjoy putting these together, and I'm happy to share them!

[@sarahstone7819]

Haha The carrot in the popcorn got me -- Now it's healthy!

[@Kim-cy3fd]

Thank you Mindy, you are such an inspiration ❤

[@jennakidder3016]

My 5 year old and I love your channel! Thank you for the meal plan!

[@SeeMindyMom]

You are so welcome!

[@SimpleEssentials]

I love your inspiring and simple meal plans! Works super well for our family of 2 as well 😊

[@SeeMindyMom]

I'm so glad!

[@sherrih55]

These recipes sound delish!

[@betterlivingonabudget]

Butterscotch brownies 😋 OMGsh!! - I had best not even go there - I can feel myself gaining 5 lbs just thinking about how they'll taste so irresistibly delish!! 🤣😂Seeing those meatballs reminds me of another video you did awhile back - porcupine meatballs . . . and BAM! Just like that I suddenly knew what to do with those three cups of leftover rice in the fridge! 😍 You deserve a million subs for your amazing efforts, sincere and adorbs delivery + high quality videos!! ♥🙏♥🙏♥

[@qayyaksmith3652]

Thanks for sharing this!

[@mandylee3862]

Gosh I'm just trying to manage $100 a week for just me, but these ideas are so helpful and creative!

[@LenaTurner8]

Love the Breakfast Basket it's an amazing idea ty hun

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Great results for a very reasonable price. Thank you for the video.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thanks for watching!

[@Dogloverplus2]

I love adding chopped spinach and feta cheese to my turkey meatballs!

[@MomNTraining]

Such a great idea. I was just looking at what the USDA charts say for my family in 2024. I noticed I’m spending less than the low cost option and was curious if I could go even lower. Love this video!

[@sarahstarbell]

I love Mr Holland's Opus too! Such a good movie...reminds me I haven't seen it in quite a while! Looking forward to making those brownies and now I have a craving for a chuck roast dinner too. Thanks for your videos, they're always so helpful!

[@SeeMindyMom]

So glad I can give some ideas! I was glad to see Mr. Holland’s Opus be added to Disney+.

[@debbieorazi2518]

I love when you create these budget meals. Such a helpful video! Thank you

[@SeeMindyMom]

Glad you like them!

[@madelineeverritt8874]

Hey Mindy, Thank you so much for everything you do for all of us. You are such an amazing person. To thank you, i would love to make you something. Do you have a PO box? This is something that I make myself. I would love to make you one. ❤

[@michelleg4053]

I am so happy I stumbled across your channel. I ' make' my kiddo watch your videos and report a budget & meal plan to me 1x a week, for the past 3 weeks, my kiddo is college bound in the fall and what you offer for information is priceless, thank you

[@erinrich4343]

I love the breakfast basket idea! I always need quick breakfast ideas.

[@SeeMindyMom]

That's been a huge help, especially on busy weeks or when we have company. I have a spot where it can sit in the pantry, too, so people aren't "snacking" on breakfast items later in the day. LOL!

[@simplyfromscratchrecipes]

You are by far the best channel on KZbin, so helpful, encouraging and creative. Thank you for all the helpful content!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Wow! That's high praise! :) Thank you so much!

[@simplyfromscratchrecipes]

@@SeeMindyMom you're welcome :)

[@polgara28]

Fantastic video! The breakfast basket is a great idea! Thank you for what you do, you really are helping people in these interesting times. Love from Kansas. 🌻

[@SeeMindyMom]

I'm glad I can help! Thanks for watching!

[@RevDanXP]

You’re the best!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Right back atcha. :)

[@AndreaRay-t3s]

Mindy. Thanks for all info. Can you tell me the name of the bread dough you showed. Thank you. Andrea

[@katierichey8043]

My five year old was watching with me and asked for a spoon so she could eat your meals right off the screen. Lol

[@justhereyeah1112]

As always thank you!

[@SeeMindyMom]

My pleasure!

[@jamiestanley9234]

I like to take a cheap box of brownie mix and replace the water it calls for with milk or heavy cream. I also add in espresso powder, and chocolate chips. My husband says they’re amazing!

[@SeeMindyMom]

great tips!

[@valeried2941]

This is tremendous! I am one person but groceries are high for just one...tips are fabulous! I did get off the budget train as I am having eye surgeries and I need things I can make easily til I recover So I have eh spending more!! But all surgeries will be over in two more weeks! I can't wait to get back on track

[@dianasimplifies]

Hope your surgeries go well! 🙏🏼

[@SeeMindyMom]

I hope you have a smooth procedure and complete healing. :)

[@ceciliaguevara6977]

Newbie hera I think I found you about a month ago loving your videos and recipe ideas ❤ . God Bless you for your time 🙏 .

[@SeeMindyMom]

Glad you found me! Thanks for watching!

[@jenisharpe]

What temperature did you have the oven set at for the meatballs? Thanks! Love your recipe ideas ❤

[@amandahaggan7062]

I love the meatball idea! As a side, sub sandwich, extra for when I have a few noodles left but don't want "plain spaghetti". What temperature did you cook then at? I didn't see that part in the video?

[@GraceNPeace2023]

You did a great job with this video. I really enjoyed it!

[@arraybabe8514]

Love this! Loving all the veggies and great, nutritious meals. Eating on a budget, but also super healthy!!! Mindy you are showing how it's done!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thank you, I appreciate that! I always try to include fruits and veggies in my budget meal plans. :)

[@phyltorkelsonp9268]

Love the carrot in the tv snack mix to make it healthy! 🤣. Kids are so fun!

[@SeeMindyMom]

They’re a hoot!

[@silentbanshee4869]

Loved the laugh at the end. Healthy. LOL.

[@audreyolson2634]

Thank you so much for doing this work and sharing it with us! I appreciate your budget approach that also cares about nutrition and taste. I downloaded the PDF from your website as well. How helpful!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dashiarahmaan8478]

This was a great video with some amazing money savings tips…oh and the meals looked so yummy! Thanks for sharing!!😊

[@SeeMindyMom]

My pleasure! Glad there was something helpful here. :)

[@juliegass9746]

Love your videos!!! I also use Ramen with hamburger meat and use the packet to season the meat. Then add rotel and you have a different version to spaghetti

[@SeeMindyMom]

Great tip!

[@kimfenimore5926]

Hello Mandy and Family also Friends here. I'm new to your channel. My family and I are on a budget every month. Thanks again for sharing this with us. How's everyone doing this week? My family and I said hello 👋 to everyone. Have a blessed day and may Jesus bless our families and friends also. Stay safe and warm everyone. Blessings to you all. 😇🥰😇🥰😇🥰😇🥰😇🥰😇💌💟💌💟💌💟💌💟💌💟💌💟💙❤💙❤💙❤💙❤💙❤🦋🕊🦋🕊🦋🕊🦋🕊🦋🕊🦋🧸♥️🧸♥️🧸♥️🧸♥️🧸♥️🧸✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️

[@SeeMindyMom]

So glad you found me and glad I could give some ideas. :) We're all well, just counting down the days to spring break!

[@kimfenimore5926]

@@SeeMindyMom Your welcome Mandy. Hope you all have a blessed week friends. We can't wait until spring so we can go outside. It's been snowing here. ✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️🧸♥️🧸♥️🧸♥️🧸♥️🧸♥️🧸♥️🧸🎊🎀🎊🎀🎊🎀🎊🎀🎊🎀🎊🎀🎊✨️🎈🎉✨️🎈🎉✨️🎈🎉✨️🎈🎉✨️

[@natalieeubank4533]

@@kimfenimore5926Mindy:)

[@janetdwyer1867]

This was and amazing viedo❤

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thank you!

[@leslieb4553]

Love Aldi sourdough!

[@abbysmith2754]

Aldi's sour dough is why 3/5 of my kids will eat the soups I make on the regular! (Soup is such a budget stretcher for us and allows me to clean out the fridge/pantry!) And even better when you can get it $1 off!😊

[@amandasnailtasticnails9657]

I like the idea to use up pesto.

[@jillgott6567]

1. Bag of Potatos goes far and is inexpensive 2. Look for clearance items - I meal prep based on these items 3. Be flexible - ground hamburger high in price check out ground chicken, ground turkey or pork 4. Use leftovers in different meals, cooked meat in one container, chopped veggies in another, extra mashed potatos in a third put them together in a Cottage Pie.

[@katedority2764]

Love this video! Super helpful and fun.

[@SeeMindyMom]

So glad!

[@lindawilson290]

Mindy, Would you please provide the link to the USDA schedule you showed briefly at the beginning of this video? Many thanks!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Here ya go: fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/Cost_Of_Food_Low_Moderate_Liberal_Food_Plans_January_2024.pdf

[@lindawilson290]

Thanks, Mindy! @@SeeMindyMom