Whether you're looking to save money or prepare meals quickly, you often see suggestions for planning your meals. If you're unfamiliar with meal planning then this can be frustrating and confusing advice. Here's how to meal plan.

#1 Use your resources - If you have cookbooks on hand, then great. The next thing you can do to plan your meals for the week is open up your cookbooks and look for recipes with food you have in the fridge or cupboards or the sale items for the week at your local supermarket. If you don't have cookbooks then simply visit an online cooking site.  Or check out our newsletter archives and peruse the back issues for many free mouth-watering recipes.

#2 Plan your meals - You now have both sale items and recipes at your fingertips, which means you're ready to plan. Sit down and look at the five to seven nights you have to work with. Consider meals that can be made ahead of time and frozen.

Consider meals that generate leftovers so you don't have to cook every night. Also look to make sure you're providing a well-rounded meal. For example, hamburgers alone aren't a healthy meal. IF you add cole slaw and Sweetie Pie Potatoes then you're providing more nutrients. And if cabbage and sweet potatoes are on sale then you're really doing well!

#3 Make a list and go shopping - Make a list of the ingredients you need for the entire week's worth of food. Don't forget to check your staples like bread, milk and eggs. Make sure you shop from your list. If you deviate from the list, make sure you have a logical reason for the addition. A list helps you stay organized. It also helps you stay on budget.

Meal planning isn't difficult. However, it does require a system. You need to be both organized and a bit patient. Sometimes the sale items just don't mesh with the recipes you have in mind. Or your week is really busy. Pasta, burgers and even breakfast for dinner are options for those busy nights. Get creative and have fun. Meal planning really can alleviate much of the stress of busy families and meal time.