Meal Planning = Saving Money!

I am a list maker.  I love my calendar.  I write out things I am thinking through and I have my own little methods to compartmentalize and deal with my issues.  I am not the most organized person in the world, but what I do brings me great comfort. 

Money has been tight lately and I am panicking with the future of our bills increasing and my income decreasing.  So, I started making several lists--  Sunday I did something I haven't done all summer long:  I made a meal plan, with my grocery list to the right of it.  I got all the way through next Week.  Yay for me! 

Funny thing is, I went and bought food from my list, which included meats and cheeses among other items that are usually costly, and I spent less than I have been spending.  This means, if I stick to my list and buy the meals I have planed for, I saved some money!  Double Yay for me!

I would love to coupon, but I just can't get it down.  I have friends and a sister who save HUNDREDS of dollars a month on couponing, but for whatever reason I just can't figure it out for me.  So I go to Winco, which has pretty good pricing, and I feel satisfied with my efforts.

So, I know its boring and mundane, but it really has helped make my week easier.  I am amazed at the comfort it gives me to look at what I have already planned and figured out at the start of my day, so I don't have to stress, or even think about at the end of my day.  My kids couldn't care less, but my husband appreciates my cooking.  I usually try to cook up extra for his lunch the next day- and depending on the meal and my ingredients on hand maybe another batch to freeze for a future meal.  Nathan is my very picky eater, so gets salad most days.  I am not a short-order cook.  

Here is my plan:
Monday: bbq chicken & noodles (Super yummy and enjoyed with friends)
Tuesday: tacos(kids will always eat with us)
Weds: Beef stew & Salad(One of Leila's favorites)
Thurs: Spaghetti, bread, salad
Friday: BONUS DAY- Dinner at moms!(I am taking rolls)
Saturday: Chicken & potatoes
Sunday: Soup & Rolls & Salad
Monday: Burgers & Pasta Salad
Tuesday: tacos
Weds: Crock-pot chicken, bread, salad
Thurs:Caribbean Pork & Rice
Fri:

I think if I could get a good three to four weeks worth of individual meals, I could just interchange them on a fairly routine basis.  But to do that, I need serious help- any ideas on easy menus?

My family has a recipe blog- nothing fancy- but fun for us to look at:  http://familyrecipes-meganconser.blogspot.com/