Planning

 January Planner

As we move into the new year, I wanted to give you some resources.  Click below to receive a January menu planner for each week for all meals.  This is especially helpful for those of us who homeschool and have to plan breakfasts, lunches, and suppers.

It also includes a Bible reading list to be able to read through the Bible in chronological order.  If you have not done this before, it is a really eye-opening approach to what is happening concurrently.  Our family found this truly inspirational.  It also includes reading through the Psalms, Proverbs, and Ten Commandments.

January menu planner and Bible readings.

2021 Financial Planner and Budget

Another thing many of us strive to do is work on our budgets and finances.  One thing that has truly helped our family is knowing at the beginning of the year what needs, wants, and dreams we have for the coming year, including savings goals.  This helps keep us focused when something bright, shiny, and new comes along.  We can look at this and remember what our priorities really are.  You may even find that something you needed becomes a blessing when someone else provides for those needs in an unexpected way.

There is a tab for debts so you can see where you stand at the beginning of the year, remember monthly payment due dates, and assess your progress by comparing this year with the next.  Right click the Pivot table on the page and select Refresh to update with your actual information.

It includes an amortization schedule to help you estimate how long it will take you to pay off a certain debt given a monthly payment amount for the annual interest rate given.

It starts with suggestions for income and expenses that you can manage for a weekly pay period on Fridays through February 2021.  That can be adjusted.  Once you get your tabs set up the way you want, you can duplicate them through the end of the year.  Do make sure to select the "Starting Balance" field by going to the prior week's tab and selecting the Balance field E23, currently.  For those new to this, type = then go to the other tab and select the field with the balance amount and press <Enter>.  It will go back to the desired page with the final balance from the previous page provided.

It even includes a field to Clear those items that have already come through. 

I hope these resources are helpful for you.

2021 Financial Planner (requires Microsoft Excel).

Free Menu Plan for August

Use this menu planner for August to work with your schedule, dietary needs, and budget. It is great for those working from home, homeschooling, or online schooling their children. Just add in notes for those meals when one or more members will be out for a given meal to make accommodations - fewer meal portions or premade meals that are easy to pack and go. It's also helpful if you are planning a dinner party or other special occasion where more food will be required. Planning helps everyone know what the items in the pantry and refrigerator are for and helps keep the budget on track.

One thing I've seen is that homeschool planners often do not include menu plans for the whole day, if they include them at all.  There are a number of menu plans for specific diets for all meals, but if one has a list of items that work for one's own family, why not use those?  

For those who homeschool, who are working from home, or for those whose children are attending online school, we still have to make all the meals throughout the day.  If we do have meetings or classes on campus, we still need a plan to help us stay on budget.  Even if students are away at school during the day, if you send packed meals, it sure helps to have a plan.  

I created this menu plan for August for my family and thought I would share with you.  I'm providing the .pdf file that is not editable online, but gives you the option to print it, handwrite your menu plans, and make changes as needed without reprinting.  If you would prefer an editable file, just let me know as I can send it to you in Microsoft Word format.  (There are no macros in it.)

This can be great for those teaching Home Economics to give your children an opportunity to plan meals for a specific meal, day, or week.  If you are a member of https://SchoolhouseTeachers.com, that is one of the assignments in the Home Economics curriculum they provide.

I hope you enjoy. Please provide any feedback or suggestions.

One other useful tip: we use an envelope for writing our grocery list and put cash for the groceries in the envelope to stay on budget.