Planning ahead lets you save money because you'll purchase only the groceries the family is going to eat for the week. You'll also know what foods to take out to defrost, and side dishes will never be a thrown-together conglomerate of junk. A menu of the day weekly planner also lets your family eat healthier foods because you have the time to analyze meal choices and determine where you can substitute better ingredients or leaner meats the next time you prepare it.