Kitchen Inventory Reminder

Wow, I can’t believe how fast this month flew by.  It seems like I was just reminding you for this month the other day.  It’s time to inventory you kitchen so you can create your monthly menu.  I have people ask me all the time if I follow my menu exactly.  Haha, I wish life was that predictable.  No, I don’t always cook what’s on my menu the day it’s on there and sometimes not at all.  But that does not let us off the hook for doing the inventory and planning.

money-plate I found I only spent 15 minutes more making my monthly menu compared to making a weekly menu.  Well, that gives me 3 to 4 weekends where I’m not making a menu because it’s already done.  Let me tell you, that’s a great gift.   I also have been tracking what I’m spending on groceries now as compared to pre-inventory and monthly planning.  I’ve saved 40% on my grocery bill just from taking a monthly inventory and then planning my menu around what I have on hand.  Now for a gal that’s trying to save for something big and in this economy, that’s huge.   So It’s definitely worth it.  What’s 40% of your grocery bill.

If you are interested in my spreadsheet, I’ll happily share it.  However, keep in mind it has the foods we eat and your spreadsheet should have the foods you eat.  If you’re interested just email me with the link on the right sidebar.

Happy Planning!

3 Responses to Kitchen Inventory Reminder

  1. Patty Beyers - Glute April 27, 2009 at 3:37 am #

    Monthly? What a great idea? Let's see if I can get this organized. It sounds like a real time saver for my busy family. I'm going to give it a try.
    Thanks for sharing.

  2. Kirsten Santucci April 29, 2009 at 3:10 pm #

    Thank you, Diane for inspiring me – I'm getting ready to make my first monthly menu. Inventory should be easy since my cupboards are pretty bare!

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Mark Bittman, Have You Been Reading My Blog? — The W.H.O.L.E. Gang - May 31, 2009

    […] I have always taken this one-step further and to me this is the key to really saving money.  Inventory your freezer and make your menu using items on the inventory.    As Mark writes, “the idea of freezing is […]