Thanksgiving: Feast on Savings
Breathe it all in… pumpkin spice lattes, crisp apples, brown sugar, fresh bread…am I drooling? Thanksgiving is in the air, along with plans for get-togethers galore. However, these filling festivities can leave bank accounts looking starved. To help you avoid that fate, we’ve cooked up some ways to keep you AND your wallet stuffed this Thanksgiving.
Blessings and Budgeting
It’s easy to say you’ll “try to save money” this holiday season, but when you’re at the grocery store staring down delicious sweet treats or trapped in a Target trance looking at fun decor, it can be difficult to avoid overspending. Stay on track by creating a specific Thanksgiving budget with funds designated for food, decorations, travel, and any additional categories. This will also help you prioritize what matters most before planning and purchasing.
Take a Hike, Traditions!
Listen, we all have traditions that we hold near and dear to our hearts. I’m not asking you to chuck them out the window to save some money. But consider what traditions you keep because they genuinely mean something to you and what traditions you keep around because they’re cultural norms you never thought to question. Keep this in mind as we offer some thrifty suggestions that might stray from your norm.
Pass Me the Potluck
When you’ve taken on the stressful role of the Thanksgiving host, you may feel more thankful when it’s over! You have to cook everything, bake all the desserts, and concoct all the drinks…except…you actually don’t have to do that! Instead of putting all the pressure on yourself to provide the feast of a lifetime for your friends and family, make Thanksgiving a collaborative potluck effort you can all enjoy. Not only will this save you time and money on ingredients, but it can also provide an opportunity to share heartwarming stories tied to the delicious dishes and drinks guests bring. It’s the season of giving, after all, not stressing!
Need help figuring out who’s bringing what? Use the following tools to organize your potluck:
Cut The Turkey Ties
I’m going to say it: you don’t have to have turkey on Thanksgiving (I think someone just gasped). Turkey prices vary depending on weight and preferences, but the standard 15-pound Turkey costs around $35, making it the most expensive holiday menu item for most families. If you don’t love turkey and want to cut costs (and possibly time in the kitchen), consider exploring main course alternatives. For example, a roast chicken or a few hens could cost half as much, and you’ll be more excited about leftovers. Spend money on the food that brings you the most joy!
Savor the Savings
Sales come and go, but your freezer can help them last longer. Instead of buying ingredients the week of Thanksgiving, take advantage of sales as the holiday approaches, storing appropriate items in your freezer. Don’t shy away from generic brands that taste just as good (if not better), either!
Shopping in advance also eliminates the dreadful feeling of last-minute grocery shopping when you find that your favorite item or a crucial ingredient is out of stock, thanks to the holiday rush.
Check out these helpful apps for grocery shopping on a budget:
- Flipp – Price comparison
- Basket – Price comparison
- KitchenPal – Pantry tracking to avoid overspending
Stick to the Stuff(ing) You Know
Experimenting with food is fun! But it’s not necessarily budget-friendly. Avoid overspending due to trials and errors in the kitchen by sticking with recipes you are comfortable following and know will be a hit.
While you’re at it, scale back your menu! Do you really need three different kinds of pies? The answer is no. But how do you know if you’ll have enough food for everyone? What if you want leftovers? Experiment with this handy-dandy Guestimator, which estimates how much food you’ll need to make guests full and happy while accounting for your meal and leftover preferences.
Take Advantage of Leftovers
Leftovers are arguably one of the best parts of Thanksgiving. That’s lunch for the next week! Yet, American households will waste about 305 MILLION pounds of food during this one festive meal, according to ReFED. Not only is that a waste of food but of money! Try these alternative options to decrease the amount of waste and increase the amount of savings:
- Recipes with Thanksgiving leftovers in mind
- SuperCook – Provides recipes based on what you currently have in your pantry
- Turkey Stock / Turkey Bone Broth
DIY Decor Deals
Give your home some personalized flair with handmade decor from the heart. With materials from the Dollar Store or even the great outdoors, you can complete the cutest projects that will last year to year. This is a great way to keep kids busy or a fun opportunity for a craft night with friends!
Take a look at these adorable tutorials:
- Centerpiece and table decor
- Fall wreaths, outdoor decor, and more!
- Dollar Tree DIYS
- Affordable kids crafts
Thankful and Thrifty
We started this blog by taking a deep breath in, so let’s end with a deep breath out, releasing all the extra stress that builds up during the Thanksgiving season. Remember, it’s called Thanksgiving for a reason. It’s not about the best-decorated house or the fanciest gourmet meals. It’s about coming together with the people you love to celebrate all you are blessed to have. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your extra savings!
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