Meal planning to save money: the ultimate money saving plan
Want to know how to start saving money on groceries in Australia? This blog shows how a meal planning money saving plan can cut your grocery bill and help you reach long-term savings goals like buying your first home.
Tammy Barton, Founder & Director of MyBudget shares her top tips on how meal planning to save money helps you reach your money goals faster.
Meal planning or meal prepping is one of the easiest ways to save money in your household budget, especially if you’re trying to reach big financial goals like saving for a house or saving for a holiday. By planning your meals in advance, you cut down on food waste, avoid last-minute takeaways, and stretch your weekly budget further. Think of it as the ultimate money saving plan that works quietly in the background, helping you feel organised and in control of your household.
What do Australians spend on groceries?
According to the Finder Consumer Sentiment Tracker, grocery bills are climbing. In December 2024, Aussies were spending an average of $301 a week on groceries, the highest since 2019. By August 2025, that dropped to $209. This chart shows how weekly household grocery spending has changed over time.
What are the benefits of meal planning?
A money saving meal plan delivers more than a lighter grocery bill, it helps your health, time, and stress levels too. Key benefits include:
Financial benefits
- Saves money by reducing impulse purchases and lowering your grocery bill
- Cuts food waste by using what you already have and planning around it.
Health benefits
- Promotes healthier eating with balanced meals and portion control
- Reduces unhealthy food choices by avoiding last‑minute Uber Eats.
Time & stress benefits
- Saves time with fewer shopping trips and faster meal prep
- Lowers stress by eliminating daily “what’s for dinner?” decisions.
More benefits
- Keeps you organised with shopping lists and set ingredients
- Encourages variety by trying new recipes and cuisines.
It’s a budget win, a lifestyle upgrade, and a boost for your overall wellbeing.
How much money can meal planning save?
By combining meal planning with other simple money saving methods, MyBudget clients Erin and Adam saved $70,000 for a house deposit while still enjoying home-cooked meals and sticking to their money goals. Erin says: “We didn’t feel like we were missing out. Having meals planned meant we had more control and less temptation to overspend.”
Erin and Adam are proof that these small, repeatable habits work. Their money saving plan was built on practical, everyday choices, and it worked.
Want to know how they did it? Read Erin & Adam’s financial story and see how smart planning turned into financial freedom.
“We laid out what we were spending over a year and thought, maybe if we just halve that amount, it’ll get us to what we want to achieve much sooner.”
Erin – MyBudget client
How to save money on groceries with meal planning
Wondering how to start saving money fast with meal planning? It doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Here’s how to get started:
- Check your pantry and freezer: build meals around what you already have
- Pick recipes you’ll actually eat: rotate them each week to keep it simple
- Write your grocery list: stick to it and shop smarter by checking specials
- Prep slow cooker dump bags: a simple, time‑saving way to meal prep and reduce food waste
- Use supermarket home brands: cheaper, often the same quality
- Shop seasonal fruit & veg: fresher and more affordable.
For a head start, use our Personal Budget Template to see how meal planning and grocery savings fit into your weekly budget.
@mummyandmeeatallergyfree ⭐️Dump bags for the win 🫶You can find all 5 recipes by clicking the link on my bio #slowcooker #dumpbag #slowcookerrecipe #thirdtrimester #easymealprep #easydinner #easydinnerideas ♬ original sound – mummyandmeeatallergyfree
Why can’t I stick to my meal plan?
If you’ve tried meal prepping before and it hasn’t worked, MyBudget can help. Sticking to a meal plan can feel impossible when life gets busy. The key is to make it flexible and realistic:
- Start small: aim for 3-4 planned dinners a week instead of seven
- Stay flexible: swap meals around depending on your schedule
- Cook what you enjoy: no point planning meals nobody in the family likes
- Batch cook and freeze: future you will thank you on hectic nights
- Have backup options: keep easy “lazy night” meals on hand, like omelettes or pasta
Meal planning isn’t about being perfect, it’s about setting yourself up to save money, reduce stress, and make everyday life a little easier.
Extra money saving tips to save on groceries in Australia
Beyond meal planning, there are more ways to cut your grocery bill without compromising on healthy eating:
- Shop the weekly sales and build meals around discounts
- Try meal prepping lunches instead of buying out
- Cook double portions and freeze leftovers for busy nights
- Plan a meat-free meal
- Avoid impulse buys by eating before you shop.
These strategies help you save money while still eating well.
Want to see how small weekly grocery savings add up? Use our Savings Calculator to find out how your meal planning wins could turn into thousands towards bigger goals like a house deposit.
PSA: Not sure who needs to hear this, but if you’re tapping at Aldi, you’re paying extra! Avoid the 0.5% surcharge by inserting your card and selecting ‘savings‘ instead! You’re welcome.
How else can I save money on household bills in Australia?
Meal planning is a great money saving tool, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Reducing your overall expenses means you free up even more for your money saving plan.
Quick tips include:
- Switch to LED bulbs and use cold water washes to cut electricity costs
- Adjust heating/cooling by a degree or two to save up to 10%
- Compare energy, phone and internet providers regularly for better deals
- Plan meals around specials and stick to a shopping list to save on groceries
- Audit subscriptions to avoid paying for unused services.
Ready to get a money saving plan that works?
Meal planning to save money is just the start. MyBudget has helped over 130,000 Australians pay off debt, build savings, and reach their long-term financial goals without the stress of going it alone. We’ll set up a money saving plan that works for your lifestyle, meal plans, groceries, bills, savings, and everything in between.
Start by downloading our free 2-week meal planner by Accredited Practising Dietitian, Samantha Stuk. Then, let’s chat about how MyBudget can help you:
- Pay bills on time
- Get out of debt and save for long-term goals
- Build an emergency fund
- Live life free from money worries.
Because your house deposit, holiday, or financial freedom could start with something as simple as a money saving meal plan and a shopping list.
Enquire online now and one of our expert money coaches will be in touch, or call 1300 300 922 for immediate financial relief.
For even more ideas, check out our comprehensive guide on how to save money in Australia. Packed with even more practical tips to boost your savings plan.
FAQs: Saving money and meal planning in Australia
What is the best money saving plan for groceries in Australia?
A realistic plan includes meal planning, shopping lists, and using comparison sites to find the best supermarket deals. This keeps your grocery bill predictable and your savings account growing.
How can I save money fast on groceries without sacrificing health?
Shop seasonal fruit and veg, swap to supermarket home brands, and prep meals in advance. These saving habits lower expenses and still support a healthy diet.
What are the easiest ways to start saving money each week?
Start small: set up a savings account, cut subscriptions like Netflix or Spotify you don’t use, and redirect those small amounts into your emergency fund or savings goal.
Is meal planning really cheaper than takeaway in Australia?
Yes. Even with rising cost-of-living pressures, cooking at home is significantly cheaper than regular takeaway. Meal planning helps you budget for groceries and avoid credit card debt linked to overspending.
Can grocery savings help with bigger financial goals like a mortgage deposit?
Definitely. As Erin and Adam proved, combining meal planning with a money saving plan helped them save $70,000 for their house deposit. Small weekly savings add up to big wins for your financial situation.