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5 Weeknight Dinner Ideas for the Family and a Mom's Secret Credit Card
For moms who manage money, meals, and the messy middle.
Ann Woo
September 01, 2025
Happy Monday!
I’m so glad you’re here. 🥰
Before we get into the dinner recipes, recommendations, and an anonymous money confessional from a mom with a $250K household income, here’s a little peek into my week:
Taylor Swift got engaged (shoutout to my group texts for lighting up like we were giddy high school girls).
My toddler declared I packed his favorite lunch ever (shoutout to me).
Solo-parenting and barely making it (major shoutout to those who do this every day- you are superheroes 🙌).
I baked my very first loaves of sourdough (shoutout to my sister-in-law for sharing her starter).
All in a week’s work! Thank goodness for this long weekend to recover.
Speaking of recovery… In last week’s poll, 26% of you said your top goal for September is making time for self-care. I love that. Whether that means five quiet minutes with coffee and a journal or a yoga class or a walk or a drink with a friend, I hope you actually give yourself that space.
Coming in tied for second were two more relatable goals: meal prepping for the week (24%) and getting organized for fall/holidays (24%). Basically, we’re all juggling the same things and we’ve got this!
Now, let’s talk school lunches. I want to hear from all 953 of you- do you genuinely enjoy packing your kids’ lunches as much as I do or do you think it’s the devil’s work? Answer in the poll below!
Let’s get into it:
🍽️ What’s for Dinner
Fully Loaded Baked Potato Soup - I’ve made this recipe a few times over the years, and most recently just yesterday. It was the perfect cozy meal for a chilly fall day. It does take a little effort, but if you prep it over the weekend, you’ll have a comforting, ready-to-go meal to enjoy all week long!
Pork Fajitas - This recipe is super simple and uses just a few ingredients which is perfect for feeding a crowd or knocking out some easy meal prep. I made everything at once on the Blackstone and wrapped the tortillas in foil to warm them right on the griddle. Easy, quick, and no extra dishes.
Burger Bowl - Burger bowls are a total win- easy, customizable, and always a hit! Everyone can build their own with whatever toppings they like, which makes dinner way less stressful. My kids love it when I add Actual Veggies sweet potato fries to their plates. A simple combo of protein and veggies really does go a long way.
Mongolian Beef Noodles - This recipe is on my meal plan for the week, and I already know it’ll be a hit since my whole family loves anything with Asian noodles. I especially love that it uses pantry staples I already have on hand. All I need to grab is some flank steak, and dinner’s set!
Creamy Tuscan Chicken - As soon as the weather starts to cool down, this cozy dish is one of the first I think of. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight, but still feels hearty and comforting. I like to toss in a big handful of kale at the end for an easy boost of greens that just wilt away with the yummy sauce.
❤️ What I’m Recommending
This section contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them—at no extra cost to you (thanks for supporting the newsletter!).
Mom Hack: What makes lunch packing easier for me is a lunch packing station. Create a grab-and-go system in your fridge or pantry with bins for fruits, snacks, pouches, deli meats, etc. so it’s organized and easier to find. Here are my favorite bins that I use for everything that are currently 20% off!
Mom Product: I just got these new loaf pans for my sourdough era and I love them! They’re heavy duty and I like that they’re non-toxic, non-stick, and will last forever. Grab them here!
💸 In This Economy? (Mom’s Version)
Mom in the Southeast with $250K Household Income, a Secret Credit Card, and Zero Regrets About Hiring Night Nurses
In This Economy? is a weekly series showcasing the costs of motherhood from real moms. Want to share your story anonymously? Submit here — no names, no judgment.
Age: Mid-30s
Kids: 2 kids, 2.5 year old and 5 month old
Job: I’m a part time assistant
Household Income: $250K
Own or rent: Own- $1,400/month (2.5% interest rate!)
Childcare or daycare expense: $1,400
Recent purchase you regret: Really fancy pjs for myself. I have sooo many!!!
Splurge and don’t regret: Night nurse 🤌🏻 $200/night. 2 or 3 nights a week for two months
Best “mom sanity” splurge: GIRL DINNERS and sitters
Weekly “kid stuff” spend: $200
Weekly spend on groceries: $200 but my husband goes too, so more than that as a household
Most spent on a kid party: Mmmm like $1,000
Purchase that you don’t tell your partner about: Clothes I know I shouldn’t buy- I put on my secret credit card 😝
Saving for your kids college tuitions: My in laws started a fund for our kids.. BLESS UP
Something financial you wish your parents had taught you: To be more frugal! They did try…
Managing family budget: We just free ball it and then my husband tells me when it’s a lil high and we simmer
Great ways to save money on kid-related expenses: Thrive market for the clean stuff!
Money advice for other moms: Just be happy and make space in the house you’re in and stop chasing that bigger and better thing! Stop comparing your house to these mansions!!! Better for me to be able to do things I want to do with a lower mortgage!
Finish the sentence: “In this economy, I still somehow ____.” Will splurge on fun memories for my kids!
Thanks again for being here. If you love it, forward this to a mom friend—more voices make this better. And if you ever want to share, vent, or suggest something, just hit reply. I’m reading every email!
Woo you next week,
Ann
✅ This Week’s Mom Poll
How do you really feel about packing school lunches? |
