A monthly menu planner is a list of family meals over a period of time and is a great asset to have. A menu planner can save you time, money and wastage, and can help you to create interesting and balanced meals.

A monthly menu planner can be created in a couple of hours by writing your chosen meals onto a calendar page. Here are 14 great reasons for creating a monthly menu planner:

1. Save time deciding what to have for dinner. Instead of wasting time looking through your fridge or cupboards all you need is a quick glance at your menu planner to see what you are having for dinner.

2. Save time by preparing meals, vegetables or marinades in advance. You can remove items from the freezer in plenty of time to defrost and prepare. Vegetables can be chopped for two or three meals at once.

3. Save time by writing the recipe page number onto your menu planner. You will always know exactly where each recipe is located and you will spend less time flicking through cook books.

4. Save time by shopping less often. A monthly menu planner lets you shop once a month at the grocery store, and twice a month at the green grocer.

5. Save time when filling out your shopping list. Your menu planner will tell you exactly what you need for that month.

6. Save time when shopping. You will know exactly what you need and where to get it. No more browsing up and down the aisles - straight in, straight out.

7. Avoid wastage and save money by buying only fresh produce that is needed. You will rarely throw away wilted vegetables or expired dairy products because you will only buy what is needed on your menu planner.

8. Create exciting meals that your family enjoys. You can also include new or experimental recipes, eliminating repetition and boredom. Get the family involved in the menu planning process to ensure everyone gets some of their favorites.

9. Serve balance meals, using a variety of fresh, nutritious ingredients. You can see at a glance how balanced your menu is and you can easily adjust as necessary.

10. Plan meals for family members with special needs. A menu planner will make it easier to plan special diets such as low fat, low cholesterol, vegetarians or gluten free diets.

11. Food safety will improve. Buying only what is needed means foods will be used within the used-by dates. Removing foods from the freezer in advance means foods defrost slowly in the fridge instead of quickly on the bench at room temperature.

12. Save money by reducing the need for pre-packaged, convenience foods. No more last minute meal preparations using jars of sauces, pre-frozen meals or cooked deli ingredients.

13. Save money by reducing the temptation to buy takeaway meals. This often happens when you are in a rush, there is nothing inspiring in the cupboards, or you cannot think of something to cook. A menu planner will take away that impulse.

14. Save your sanity! There are better things to do with your time and money. A monthly menu planner will free up your life and open up new possibilities.

The 'investment' made in creating a monthly menu planner will give you so much value in return. You will save money, time and wastage, and improve your nutrition, variety, health and sanity.

A monthly menu planner helps you to get the family meal onto the table faster so you can relax in the evening sooner.