Going from two incomes to ONE is a hard transition. Inflation is not making grocery shopping or meal planning any easier, but it can be done. You can meal plan effectively with a little discipline and creativity.
So, if you are thinking about staying home or you are struggling financially. Maybe you just want to save money?
Here is a look at how you can budget by meal planning differently.
Other Posts about Budgeting and Food
What I’ve Learned from Cooking at Home for a Year: How to Cook More at home and on a budget
Our Budget: From Two Incomes to One Income
Please note that this is my personal situation, and everyone has different needs, circumstances and wants.
My desire is to give you inspiration and a realistic peek into someone who is already making it happen in real life.
Also, these numbers are from a home in North Carolina and on not so glamorous career paths, a teacher and a car detailer (wife and husband duo).
I was pregnant when the two incomes were a thing. Two cars, mortgage, health insurance and all the other usual bills and (no diapers yet).
Also, this was in the year 2022-2023.
I will give you a BEFORE and AFTER look into the transition process and what our income looked before I had to make some changes.
Skip to the meal plan on one income!
The Household Income of Two Working Adults
- Approximately $50-$63,000 a year
- 2 adults
- 2 cars
- 1 mortgage
- Grocery Budget $100-$150 a week
- A lot of money on gas and eating out!
How Life was on Two Incomes
Now, let’s look at how I used to plan meals when I was working as a teacher. I would say that my situation was pretty normal.
I worked, got out of work at 3pm and with one hour commute… well, I had some fast food on the way home.
Now, how on earth did I meal plan after that!
Well, it usually happened on Saturday or Sunday. I went shopping online and picked it up after work. Sometimes we went grocery shopping on the weekend but not the usual.
We eat out about 4-5 times a week. It was a lot, but when both people are working full-time it’s hard to cook every day for dinner, (packed lunch) and breakfast. My husband ate out for lunch at work.
Teachers have to pack lunch everyday… yeah! And I was pregnant (I packed for two).
Habakkuk 3:17-18
Let’s Break Down the Old Meal Plan
- Grocery Budget $100-150 a week
- Sit down and get inspired looking through some cookbooks (I’m an oldy).
- Choose a menu to go with
- Made a grocery list
- Went to the store or ordered online
- Weekly routine
- Eat out 4-5 times a week (7 days) Friday night, Saturday (not all day, you’re crazy), Sunday and a small mid-week crave.
- Eating out budget? What you are kidding me, we had none. I guess when it was getting out of hand we might notice.
I hope you’re not judging too harshly. We were newlyweds and pregnant. We had plenty of money to spare. I joke, but really, I’m sharing with you the real stuff.
Okay, let’s look at how to plan a meal place with one income now! I’m sure you will see HUGE differences.
Meal Planning with One Income Looks Different
Here is the new scenario and we are in the year 3000…
I’m sorry__ I couldn’t help it!
“They lived under water ” … music playing in your head right now.
Enjoy for a second, then come back and keep reading 😀
The Household Income of Two Adults and one Baby
The year is 2023-2024!
Both parents work but there is one tangible income. That’s clear now ladies___ you’re welcome! I know some people disagree with talking about things like this (one income or working mothers), but I believe that talking is good.
Let’s all just be respectful about the way people choose to live. It’s God honoring and that’s what the Lord call us to be. Things that are lovely and pure! Philippians 4:8
- Approximately $30,000 a year
- 2 adults and 1 Baby
- 1 car (the other car is in along repair session, and I think it helped for the better)
- 1 mortgage
- Grocery Budget $300-350 monthly
- Less money on gas and eating out! (I can’t run and get coffee or shopping or anything__no car/ no money!) 😀
Yes, it’s a lot but here’s the thing. It’s a choice for most people. We get to choose the things that are important to us.
I will write about why I went with this one income lifestyle, maybe on a later post.
Deciding to Live on One Income
After my eighth month with a baby bump, I retired!
It was summer and school ended, so my job ended too. I decided to officially quit and stay home with my baby after he was born.
It took many hard conversations and crying. I didn’t know what to do! So many reasons to be a working mom and so many reasons to be a stay-at-home mom.
I prayed. My husband prayed.
We were scared! And here’s where we are after 10 months of one income.
I share this to hopefully help one of you out. Sister, it’s hard no matter what choice you make but your decision must rest in God.
How One Income Monthly Meal Planning is Possible!
Check out these other posts that might help you on the meal planning journey (the practical side). Without these steps it would be a bit impossible to make it happen.
What I’ve Learned from Cooking at Home for a Year: How to Cook More at home and on a budget
Psalm 16:1
Breaking Down the New Meal Plan on One Income
Before Buying Groceries
- Grocery Budget $300-350 a month (includes toiletries/ baby stuff too)
- Focus on priorities, Read these post to see what I really did in detail!
- Shop in three different stores/ one-week span (One month haul)
- Small shopping list of staples (pantry, toiletries, etc) things I use regularly
- Buy best deals on meat, grains, veggies, fruit, etc.
- Buy in bulk, when possible, few organic, and store brands overall
After Buying Groceries
- Cook meats, pre-portion, freeze, store properly (takes about a week but it’s a whole month cooking marathon)
- Finally time to plan meals from ingredients purchased
- Supplement (from donations, food stamps, church, grandparents, garden) God provides!
- Eating out cut to 1-2 times a week (usually ice cream or a threat under $20 and another meal on the $30 range) with room for error
- Weekly or bi-weekly restock of fresh produce and more eggs (small list for those things that need to be fresh).
Takeaways from this Different Way of Meal Planning on One Income
The way I came to this conclusion was through trial and error. And it might not be your solution, but I hope it helps you think about your choices.
There were many times I questioned if this way of meal planning would work. Many people suggested things like shopping once a month and I was like, “No way!”
It works! There are NO temptations at the store if you don’t go weekly.
Also, you see that storage is a thing to keep in mind. I don’t have everything set up to store lots of flour or beans, so I don’t buy 50-pound bags, maybe one day!
Also, we do receive free bread from Panera. So, we don’t buy bread, tortillas, muffins, etc. Check out my other posts for more details.
God Provides in the Little Ways too
Psalm 81:10
The Lord is Good! There are times we have received free toilet paper and hand soap from an aunt. We also got gifts like formula from grandparents and so much more. So thankful, we never asked but the gifts came!
Recently we applied for WIC and Food Stamps but that was after 10 months of just what you see above.
The Lord provides and I won’t lie. It’s a lot of work. It’s a full-time job!
If God gives us the will to do it, then it’s because it can be done.
What to do Next if You Want to Meal Plan Differently?
- First, pray sister! If you believe in God start by telling him your desires.
- Trust the decision you make! Stay home and cook your heart out or work outside the home, but let God lead you.
- Talk to your husband and plan.
- Prepare savings, look for low interest credit cards, consider the possibilities to sell belongings or decrease in an area you spend too much on.
- Consider what you’re willing to lose for this was of life
Share your Kitchen Wisdom on Budgeting and Meal Planning
If you have tips, tricks… anything helps. Share it in the comments.
All the blessing to you all.
In Christ, Rosa Rosa
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