Shop Smart for Thanksgiving

Shop Smart for Thanksgiving

There can be a lot of pressure to go “all out” during Thanksgiving. After all, you want to have an unforgettable day with your loved ones. However, cooking an entire meal for your closest family and friends can be a daunting experience. It’s expensive, it’s time-consuming and it’s easy to mess up. That’s why Heights Finance gathered our best tips to help you stay on track this Thanksgiving.

Don’t Budge from Your Budget

Before planning your dinner, set a budget and stick to it. Be realistic while simultaneously accounting for every monthly expense and upcoming holiday costs. This is the most important step if you want to make the season successful for your bank account. Plus, any budget is achievable with the right strategy.

Plan it Potluck Style

When hosting Thanksgiving, there’s no need to do it all by yourself. If you’re looking to invite guests over, ask them to bring some of their favorite dishes to share. Some of the best Thanksgiving’s are potlucks, bringing unique twists to the table. Plus, most people love to cook and participate in family-style meals.

Shop Your Own Selection

Before writing your shopping list, why not explore your kitchen? You never know what canned goods are hiding in the back of your pantry. Generally, they’re perfect for your Thanksgiving menu. It can be fun to get creative with ingredients you may not have considered before.

It Doesn’t Have to be Turkey

Turkey is typically the centerpiece of most Thanksgiving feasts. However, it can also be the most expensive dish on the table. Mix it up this year and serve something new, exciting and affordable. From lemon chicken to a whole roasted cauliflower, there are so many tasty dishes out there for a quarter of the price.

Seek Out Specials

Every year during Thanksgiving, there are always incredible specials from supermarkets. Explore their websites and social media to compare different deals. Then, nail down the best ones. Although you may need to hop around town, your expenses could slice in half.

Go Generic

Opting for the store-brand selection is another great way to save money. Plus, generic brands taste the exact same as their more expensive counterparts. This is especially key with staple ingredients such as canned vegetables and condiments.

Map Out Your Meal

Now that you’ve uncovered the best prices, it’s time to assemble your list. Make it organized and only include the items you need for dinner. Remember to stick to what’s on your list to avoid picking up other temptations. This will set you up for success when you’re ready to hit the store.

Shop Early

One of the best ways to save money for Thanksgiving is to avoid last-minute shopping. Many stores will offer discounts during the entire month of November, so you may find cranberries on sale one week and pumpkin the next. By starting early, you’ll have time to get organized and find the best discounts.

Enjoy Your Time with Family

Thanksgiving is meant to bring us together – our time spent with family and friends is more important than spending a lot of money on the meal. Keep in mind, what matters most are the memories made around the table.

We hope you’re able to spend time with your loved ones this season. From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!