This Thanksgiving don’t let your money be gobbled up by overspending, save with these tips. 

 

Happy Fall Y’all.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. It is a time for gathering, gratitude and grandma’s recipes. Hosting family, decorating and making sure everything is juuussst right, can really add up. 

I am definitely more excited for fall this year, than I usually am. Having survived a pandemic, and being able to gather with family and friends, has me looking forward to the cooler weather.

I am looking forward to stuffing my face, and laying on the couch too full to move after. 

Thanksgiving is that holiday that seems to always get overshadowed by Halloween and the big one… Christmas.  

 

If you’re looking for tips that your wallet will thank you for, stick around. 

  

Plan Ahead

Guess what? 

Thanksgiving happens yearly, so you have no excuse, as to why you can’t have a plan.

By having a plan, and some money set aside, it will make your holiday run nice and smooth, smooth like gravy.

 

 Set a Budget

 

All you need to do is determine a realistic amount that you are willing to spend and stick to it.  

 

You can start saving for Thanksgiving by putting some money aside each month, leading up to the holiday.

 

Things to Consider When Making Your Thanksgiving Budget 

 

• Will you be hosting? How many guests do you have to feed?
• What is on the menu? 
• What is a realistic budget? Stick to it.
• Where can you cut costs?  What can you do that is free? 
• Can you reuse the decor from last year?
• Focus on family, and not trying to keep up with the Joneses.

 

Now that you have a plan and budget set, here are more ways to save this Thanksgiving.

 

 

Thanksgiving Dinner Savings

 

Hosting Thanksgiving?

The following tips will help keep your food costs low. 

• Ditch the turkey. Trust me it can save you alot.
• Ditch the meat altogether if you really want to save (hard to get everyone on board).
• Fill up on side dishes.
• Focus on sides that are cheaper. Such as mashed potatoes, green beans and carrots.
• Potluck style, have everyone bring a dish. It will help lower your costs on food greatly. If you’re having a large enough gathering, designate the rolls, desserts, and even napkins out. 
• Use bread ends or stale bread or buns for your stuffing.
• Make your own baked goods, instead of buying the premade store bought ones, bake and decorate your own cookies, and pies.
• Check for sales, coupons and promo codes. Many retailers have Thanksgiving sales leading up to the big day.
• Price match.
• Stock up early if you can, for canned goods, decorations and drinks.

 

 Now that you’re stuffed full of ways to save at dinner, let’s talk decorating!

 

 

Decorate for Less

 

Don’t fall for overpriced decorations. 

 

• DIY, Check Pinterest and Youtube for some inspiration, use what the kids bring home.
• Reuse last year’s decor.
• Get your party supplies from the dollar store, cute Fall themed plates and napkins for a dollar are much cheaper than the craft store. Get supplies for your DIYs.
• Dual-purpose decorations, for Halloween and Thanksgiving – pumpkins, gourds, scarecrows, hay, leaves are all examples of decor items that can be used for both celebrations. 
• Craft your own invitations, thank you cards, and tags for gifts. Many great printables can be found with a quick search on Google or Pinterest.
• You can find cute fall decor at thrift stores as well, browse earlier in the season to avoid the crowds and leftovers.
• Decorate with ribbon. Add ribbons to railings, mantels, chairs and even jars to add a nice fall touch. 
• Add fall coloured, cushions, or throw blankets to cozy up a space.
• Candles also add a great fall feel. 
• When buying pumpkins and gourds, pick them up at the grocery store, avoid the costly farm.

 

Rather Shop Online? 

 

There are a variety of online retailers that sell gently used home decor, tableware and Thanksgiving decorations at a wholesale price. 

 

Search around and compare prices at the following sites: 

 

• Freecycle.com – Nothing beats free! You post an item you are searching for, or browse the items available, contact the other freecycle, and set up a time and location for pick-up. 
• ebay.com – Some great deals are to be had on the site, so check here for what you need. Keep in mind shipping times, so don’t shop last minute.  
• Amazon.com – Is known for its affordable prices. While you’re reordering your favorite items, check for items you can use for Thanksgiving. 

 

 

Prepare For Next Year Now

 

So you survived another Thanksgiving dinner, you’ve finally finished that pile of dishes and you’ve eaten the last of the leftover turkey. Time to plan for next year. 

 

What already? 

It doesn’t have to be too extravagant, but think about:

• Is there a dish everyone enjoyed?
• What didn’t go over so well?
• Did you run out of food, or have way too much cranberries leftover? 
• What decor can you reuse? – Stash it away for next year.
• What could have been done for less?
• Did you stay on budget? Was it reasonable?

 

I hope these tips help you save some cash and remember Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful for what you have and not break the bank on the holiday, besides Christmas is just around the corner! 

 

 

I am thankful for you. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Gobble til you wobble. 

 

 

What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish?  How do you cut costs at Thanksgiving? 

 

Let me know down below, 

Stay frugal,

 

Connie xoxo