I have recently started to plan out our dinner meals about 2-3 weeks in advance and it has saved me time and money and aggrivation. I often would wait until I got home from work to even begin to think about what we were having for dinner. Which would leave me scrammbling to through something together. I now know ahead of time.
After I decide what I am preparing for the upcoming week(s), I go through my pantry, refrigerator and freezer. I write down what I don't have on hand that I will need for my pre-planned dinners. This is now the beginings of my grocery list.
I find it is also a good idea to look at the weekly grocery store ads. You may find inspiration for your meals based on sale items, particularly meats. Don't forget to scour your coupons and use them in conjunction with the sale items. If there is a particularly great deal on something don't be afraid to stock up on it if you have the room.
Planning ahead of time for your meals as well as your grocery shopping can help keep you organized, save you time and money. I no longer dread hearing, "Mom, what's for dinner?"
