Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and good food — but it doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. If you’re looking to celebrate this holiday without breaking the bank, you’re in luck! At USX FCU, we understand the importance of financial wellness, and we’re here to help you enjoy a wonderful (and tasty) Thanksgiving on a budget. Here are some creative tips for making the most of your holiday without overspending
Plan Your Menu (and Stick to It!)
The first step to a budget-friendly Thanksgiving is to plan ahead. While it’s tempting to go all out with extravagant dishes, a well-thought-out menu can help you stay on track financially. Create a list of dishes that are both affordable and crowd-pleasing — such as roast turkey, mashed potatoes, and simple vegetables — and stick to it. Bonus points if you have enough for leftovers to get multiple meals out of your haul.
Make a List (and Stick to It!)
What good is a menu without a list. As you got down your needs, avoid straying from your list as you shop. Stores have plenty of tempting treats along their aisles; by avoiding these impulse purchases, your total at the register is sure to be lower. As an added tip, before you hit the store, do an inventory of your own pantry. You may be surprised which staples you already have on hand!
Shop Smart: Take Advantage of Sales and Discounts
Thanksgiving shopping can add up quickly, but there are plenty of ways to save on groceries. Start by keeping an eye out for sales. Many stores offer great deals on turkey, potatoes, and other Thanksgiving staples in the weeks leading up to the holiday. You can also use coupons or cashback apps to get extra savings.
Share the Load with a Potluck
If you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner and want to cut down on costs, consider turning the event into a potluck. Ask friends and family to bring a dish or two to share. This way, the financial burden of cooking for a large group is spread out, and everyone can contribute to the celebration. Assign specific types of dishes (appetizers, sides, desserts) so that there’s no overlap and everything is covered.
Get Creative with Leftovers
Like we hinted at in our first tip, the leftovers that come from Thanksgiving can often be better than the meal itself. While your Thanksgiving grocery bill is likely to be higher than your average week, you can balance out that cost by not letting extra food go to waste. Get creative with how you use it. You can turn leftover turkey into sandwiches, soups, casseroles, or salads.
