Thanksgiving is one of the most important and anticipated holidays of the year. It’s when people gather with their family members and loved ones to spend quality time together, enjoy delicious feasts, and show gratitude. However, the costs associated with preparing for the holiday, like travel, food, and decorations, can quickly add up, putting a strain on your finances. Let’s learn how to spend less and save more for Thanksgiving.
Many people look forward to Thanksgiving as it puts the entire family back together in one room while expressing what each one is grateful for, eating the most delicious foods, and sipping on the best beverages. But purchasing ingredients to make a meal, buying decor items, stocking on liquid refreshments, and if you live away from your family, then the possibility of travel expenses can cause financial stress. With proper planning and a bit of adjustment, you can enjoy Thanksgiving without draining your wallet. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some simple yet effective ways to cut expenses and save more this Thanksgiving.
Planning a Budget-Friendly Thanksgiving
Firstly, you need to come up with a budget and promise to stick with it. Create a list of items that you need and avoid purchasing things impulsively. Assess your income and unavoidable expenses and find out how much money you can afford to spare on food, travel, and other holiday expenses.
Prioritize purchasing important items like turkey, cheese, and other ingredients that aren’t already available at home. You can easily cut back on unnecessary items like extra appetizers and wine. Also, if you are traveling, book a ticket well in advance to avoid peak airfare prices.
Smart Shopping Tips for Thanksgiving
Compare prices at multiple stores between big retailers, local grocery stores, and discount outlets. Then, compare prices of the condiments, spices, and canned items between famous and generic brands.
Take advantage of sales and discounts by keeping an eye out for newsletters and store pamphlets. Plus, you can use store loyalty programs or apps to collect points or rewards that can reduce your total bill.
Affordable Thanksgiving Meal Ideas
Just because it’s Thanksgiving doesn’t mean you should spend an excessive amount of money to have a lavish meal. You can opt for affordable meals that won’t compromise the flavor and taste. Here are some affordable meal ideas to help you save money:
- Instead of purchasing a big turkey, buy smaller cuts like turkey thighs and breasts. You can also get a whole roast chicken, which is just as delicious as a turkey and easy on the wallet.
- For side dishes, focus on simple yet hearty options that are inexpensive and easy to prepare. You can make mashed potatoes, any soup, and roasted vegetables.
Do not throw away leftovers. Repurpose them into casseroles and soups. Not only does this save money, but it also helps you stretch your food further.
DIY Decorations and Crafts
Many people love to decorate their houses on the occasion of Thanksgiving. If you are one of them but don’t want to spend a lot of money on decor items, you can try your hand at DIY crafts.
You can make clay napkin rings, paper table runners, DIY gather banners, boho place cards, and other easy crafts. Another great idea is repurposing old or mason jars as candle holders. Such DIY decor items save money and add a personal touch to your affordable Thanksgiving celebration.
Hosting a Potluck Thanksgiving
Another great way to save money and have an affordable Thanksgiving is by hosting a potluck feast. Instead of preparing the entire meal on your own, invite all your friends to dinner and ask them to bring one dish each. This lightens the workload and reduces the cost of food.
Ensure variety by assigning specific courses to guests. For example, one person can bring appetizers, another can make desserts, and someone else can bring side dishes and drinks. Communicate clearly with those who are coming for dinner so there are no clashes.
Using Coupons and Cashback Offers
Maximize your savings during Thanksgiving by taking advantage of coupons and cashback offers. Look for digital or paper coupons for grocery stores, particularly for common Thanksgiving ingredients like turkeys, vegetables, and canned goods. Many grocery stores also offer cashback rewards that you can combine with loyalty programs to save extra money.
Read more blogs: How to Celebrate Thanksgiving on a Budget
How Beem Can Help You Save More
Beem is a smart wallet personal finance app designed to provide emergency cash instantly. If you are running short of funds and still want to celebrate Thanksgiving wholeheartedly with your family, you can borrow anywhere from $10 to $1000 through Beem. Get the funds instantly transferred into your linked bank account and use them to buy essential ingredients for your Thanksgiving dinner.
Plus, the AI-powered Beem app will help you stay on top of your finances. Use Beem’s budget planner to get personalized insights on spending and saving money wisely. These tips will be useful when planning to host a Thanksgiving party. Go ahead and download the Beem app to get emergency funds whenever you need it and manage your budget like a pro.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to come with hefty price tags with the above tips. You can enjoy the perks of the holiday without having to worry about the finances. With these practical strategies, you can make this Thanksgiving memorable and affordable, ensuring that your focus remains on what truly matters. It’s all about spending quality time with family and friends while being grateful for everything you are blessed with.
FAQs About How to Spend Less and Save More for Thanksgiving
How can I save money on Thanksgiving dinner?
You can save money on Thanksgiving dinner by planning your budget and sticking to it. Focus on buying food items and things that are absolutely necessary. Avoid impulse spending and plan a simple menu. Furthermore, use coupons and cashback rewards to get better deals on fresh produce.
What are some affordable Thanksgiving meal ideas?
Some affordable Thanksgiving meal ideas include buying roasted chicken instead of a big turkey. For side dishes, choose inexpensive items like roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes. Add casseroles made from budget-friendly ingredients like green beans, corn, or squash. You can make simple desserts like brownies or pies that are affordable yet crowd-pleasing.
How can I decorate for Thanksgiving on a budget?
Tap into your creativity by making DIY decor items for Thanksgiving. Natural elements like pumpkins, gourds, pinecones, and fall leaves create beautiful seasonal centerpieces. If you aren’t into arts and crafts, you can purchase cheap decor items at dollar stores.
What are some tips for hosting a potluck on Thanksgiving?
If you want to host a potluck Thanksgiving dinner, organize it properly. Communicate with all the guests regarding what dishes they should bring. Add variety and avoid duplicates by ensuring no two guests bring the same dish.
How can Beem help me manage my Thanksgiving budget?
You can use Beem to track your Thanksgiving grocery purchases. If you are traveling for the holiday, Beem’s tools can help you manage hotel expenses and even send money to family or friends. And when any unexpected emergency poses a threat to your Thanksgiving celebration, you can also request up to $1000 from the Beem app and ease your financial burdens for a while.
