Hosting Thanksgiving is a family tradition across America. However, Thanksgiving can take a turn for the financial worst if you don’t watch your spending. Yes, Thanksgiving can attribute to accumulating too much debt. Our debt counselors know holidays can quickly get expensive. So is hosting Thanksgiving on a budget really possible?
Hosting Thanksgiving on a Budget
It’s easy to get carried away with your spending over the Thanksgiving holiday. Between the food, the football, and visits with extended family, your checkbook might be the furthest thing from your mind. For those on a tight Thanksgiving budget, there are a few inexpensive ways to set a table. You can have a great holiday without derailing your debt management efforts.
Saving Money on Your Thanksgiving Turkey
Let’s start with a frozen turkey. How about you buy your turkey ahead of time and freeze it? Prices of poultry can get expensive in-season.
Thanksgiving Side Dishes
The next thing is the different elements of your meal. The traditional meal has a number of components and that many ingredients add up quickly. Why not make new traditions with a small bite Thanksgiving table? Additionally, reduce the number of sides. Finally, you can assign your friends and family a dish to bring.
Hosting Thanksgiving on a budget may require some changes and new traditions. The idea is that you have a nice time with your friends and family, so try to take changes in stride.
Preparation Tips for Hosting Thanksgiving on a Budget
You may not even think of this tip as a means of saving money. However, you can save a ton with a little preparation. Use your oven all at once for your dishes instead of heating and cooling it many times a day.
Another way of hosting Thanksgiving on a budget is simply asking for help. It is completely okay for you to ask your friends and family to bring the drinks or dessert to the table. After all, it is a family holiday! If you are short on plates, napkins or cutlery, ask someone reliable to bring those.
We hope you have a happy, budget-friendly Thanksgiving!
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.