How to save money on Thanksgiving meals.
Buying a Thanksgiving meal can be expensive, especially for a lower income family or one living paycheck to paycheck. The cost a dinner continues to increase (and it is estimated at about $60 for a typical family) as does all the food that is typically served, such as a turkey, dessert, stuffing, pie, meats, and more. We have a list of tips and suggestions below on how to save money on a Thanksgiving meal.
Thanksgiving is generally a major holiday event in most American households. Are you looking forward to spending Thanksgiving with loved ones or maybe friends and family as the two may not be the same! Are you worried about the financial strain of treating the people to a Thanksgiving dinner, meal or turkey? The holiday is costly for low-income families and even middle income Americans, but there are ways to save more and make Thanksgiving more affordable.
Many families live paycheck to paycheck, but it can be difficult to make ends meet. Many families love spending time over a tasty meal, yet feel the pressure of ensuring your home looks perfect and your meal is spectacular?
Enjoying Thanksgiving doesn't have to mean going into debt or spending money you don't have. It does not need to mean missing a rent or utility bill payment for that month. If you are smart about your Thanksgiving expenditures, you can enjoy all the warmth and goodwill the season has to offer, yet still save money in the process. Remember the following tips for saving money at Thanksgiving and you'll be surprised at how economical the pre-Christmas season can be.
Tips to save money on the Thanksgiving holiday
1) Like most things in life…plan! Plan your Thanksgiving feast in advance to avoid purchasing spur-of-the-moment items you don't need. Look for sales, discounts, and special on the needed items, It's easy to be tempted by all the yummy morsels grocers have for sale during Thanksgiving. Stick to your list of must-have food choices and you'll be surprised how much you can save.
2) Buy some of the items you may need in bulk. If you purchase a larger container of canned groceries or fruits, and do not use them all for your Thanksgiving meal, then you can always use them later in the year throughout December or maybe even for a Christmas dinner. Try Costco, Sams, or even just larger sizes at Wal-Mart or Target.
3) Low income families can use a food pantry. Most offer holiday meal boxes, including for Thanksgiving. They can help you save some money as some of the items you need, such as bread, vegetables, and more may be given to you at no cost. Get a list of free food pantries.
4) Buy your Thanksgiving decor at your local dollar store. You'll be impressed at the wide variety of decorative Thanksgiving items you can find to help stretch your budget. The items are obviously affordable and the quality is often high as well. Everything from pumpkins and autumn leaves to place-mats and Thanksgiving platters can be purchased for only a dollar or two.
5) Purchase frozen food items for your Thanksgiving meal whenever you spot a grocery sale. Many stores are selling healthier and healthier, as well as fresher items. Therefore items like frozen turkey and frozen vegetables are just as tasty as fresh and can be purchased in advance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Why wait until the week before Thanksgiving to purchase your holiday feast items when you can find these yummy menu items on sale in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving?
6) Use coupons, shop for deals, use phone apps, and really shop for you Thanksgiving items smartly. Many people can save 10 to 30% off their groceries just by spending very minimal time in planning what they shop for and combining the items with coupons or other deals. Find a list of resources that can show you how to get free coupons.
7) Take advantage of the people who may be filling your home or apartment and their “body heat”. Do this by slightly reducing the temperature in your home for Thanksgiving. This can save you money on utility bills and your holiday guests won't even notice the difference. More people in your home means the temperature will naturally rise, so why pay for extra heat from your utility company?
8) Free meals are offered to really anyone who is struggling, lonely, or who needs help at Thanksgiving. There are soup kitchens, Salvation Army feeding sites, churches, and other places that serve the community using both volunteers and donations. Find places that give free Thanksgiving meals.
9) If you want to avoid a costly trip to the veterinarian over the Thanksgiving holiday, be careful regarding the foods guests are feeding your family pet. Anything from the nutmeg in pumpkin pie to bones from the Thanksgiving turkey can be detrimental to your pet's health. Advise your guests not to share their Thanksgiving treats with your dog or cat and you won't have to worry about an expensive trip to visit your local veterinary clinic.
Remember these suggestions for saving money and you will be able to enjoy Thanksgiving on a budget. You may be able to sharply reduce the amount you spend on your food, turkey, toppings, and other items. Spending time enjoying the Thanksgiving season with friends and family doesn't have to put a strain on your finances if you are strategic in your approach to spending.
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