I don't plan meals, I only buy meat that is on sale that day, if it looks good, and plan my meals around it.
Most grocery stores have a sale section. Stock up on the sale items, and store the extra in the freezer.
Try to buy a large ham or whole chicken, if they are on sale, you can make a couple great meals out of one chicken.
Roast it with an oil and herb rub, and add a cup of water to the roasting pan. Save the broth and make chichen noodle soup with the left over chicken, (if there is any left), and the veggies you grew yourself.
If there is no chicken left, you will still have a good vegetable soup with the all the flavors in the chicken broth!
Oil & Herb Rub Recipe:
In a small bowl, combine
1/4 to 1/2 cup oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, or fresh diced garlic, 1 Tablespoon dried or fresh Parsley, 1 teaspoon Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme, or Chives,
what ever you grew in your kitchen window, salt and pepper (freshly ground pepper tastes better)
There are no rules, use the herbs you like.
Wash chicken inside and out, in cold water,
spoon small amounts of rub under the skin and using your fingers, spread it everywhere, even on the outside of the chicken
Add 1 cup of water to roasting pan, add chicken,
Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
Uncover and bake until golden brown on top, 15-20 minutes in most ovens.
Another easy, great tasting idea is to add a can of cream of chicken, mushroom, or celery soup plus 1 cup of water to the roasting pan or crock pot.
Coupons are good, only if they are for products that you need, and are less than the sale price of another brand.
Try not to buy things just because you have a coupon, when the dollar store, or another store is running a sale on it for less.