5 Weeknight Dinners in 30 Minutes + 16 Easy Lunchbox Ideas

Pepper Steak and Celery Stir-Fry With Lemon - This is one of those recipes I forget about until I make it again and wonder why I ever stopped. It’s quick, delicious, and will make you fall head over heels for celery.

Greek Turkey Burgers - Juicy, flavorful, and such a weeknight win. Serve them in a pita, on a bun, or in a bowl with tzatziki. Easy to customize so every eater at the table is happy.

Honey Garlic Salmon and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner - One pan, minimal cleanup, maximum flavor. Mix it up with seasonal veggies or whatever your crew loves most.

One-Pot Hamburger Helper - This is one of those nostalgic recipes that is a classic for a reason. Packed with better-for-you ingredients, plus it freezes like a dream for easy leftovers!

One Pan Enchilada Skillet - I love this quick, deconstructed enchilada skillet that is loaded with protein and veggies. I always top it with guacamole and sour cream, and add fresh fruit on the side for my kids.

Mom Hack: With back-to-school season, I wanted to share this tip- pack lunches at night, not in the morning. Why start your day with sandwich assembly and snack negotiations? Do it after dinner while the kitchen is already a mess, pop the lunchboxes in the fridge, and wake up knowing one big to-do is already checked off. It’s seriously been a game changer for me.

Mom Product: I just found my new favorite work top and it’s so good I’m seriously tempted to grab it in every color. It fits true to size, feels perfectly lightweight for this summer-to-fall transition, and gives you that polished look without the bulk of a sweater. Bonus: it’s on sale right now… but not for long. Snag yours before your size disappears!

Age: 30s

Kids: 2 kids- 3.5 & 2

Job: Program manager

Household Income: $150K

Own or rent: Rent- $2,850/month

Childcare or daycare expense: $2,000/month

Recent purchase you regret: Truck bed cover- $2,500

Splurge and don’t regret: Xtratuf boots- $175

Best “mom sanity” splurge: I don’t have one. Trying to keep budget tight

Weekly “kid stuff” spend: No extra stuff outside of daycare and free activities. Currently living in hand me downs.

Weekly spend on groceries: $500

Most spent on a kid party: $250 for heavy apps plus cocktails for adults

Saving for your kids college tuitions: Not yet, but need to. AK is expensive and we are still adjusting.

Something financial you wish your parents had taught you: Investing. I’m a great saver, but got started investing in my future late in the game.

Managing family budget: General budget categories and check at the end of the month to see where we landed. We adjust the next month based on what we learned. Not hard amounts though.

Great ways to save money on kid-related expenses: Do free stuff. Kids don’t need expensive activities, they need outdoors and freedom to explore.

Money advice for other moms: Our kids all need less than we think they do when it comes to stuff and group activities.

Finish the sentence: “In this economy, I still somehow ____.” Find money for my Roth.