I love the Super Bowl. Even when I don’t have a team to cheer for, I can’t resist tuning in for the game. I look forward to the commercials with a little too much glee. And an event that provides an excuse to spread queso on every type of surface? I’m 100% down for that. But as with every party, Super Bowl festivities add up even if you’re just hosting a few close friends. This year, stay on track with these creative Super Bowl money saving guidelines.
Skip the TV Purchase
Every year hundreds of consumers question whether or not their screen is worthy of the big game. The short answer is YES. No major purchase should revolve around a single solitary day of the year (or 3 to 4 hours for that matter). Even though retailers entice consumers with some decent deals, it’s not the best time of the year to purchase a television. Don’t be led astray.
Avoid the Party Store
In a similar vein, decor for the Super Bowl lasts for less than one day. Step one foot into your favorite party store and you’d think you needed to outfit your entire home with decorations and coordinating party goods. Try to use what you already have to decorate. Think: football gear or items in both team’s colors. The less you see, the less you’ll want. It’s OK to buy some disposable paper goods for your gathering, but keep items printed with team or the Super Bowl logo to a minimum. Choose items you could use for a future party instead.
Snack Simple
I’m quite certain that in the days leading up to the Super Bowl, you’ll see approximately 137 videos displaying teeny edible stadiums with guacamole fields and hot dog spectators. Don’t bite off more than you can chew when it comes to elaborate snacks. If a recipe calls for something your family doesn’t eat, don’t buy it. Think through tried and true favorites and prepare those items you know will be devoured with glee. You’ll save time and money and are less likely to having a nervous breakdown while baking a football shaped cake. Chips and salsa, stove popped popcorn, and even frozen pizza rolls – keep it simple and affordable.
Party Cut Your Pizza
Speaking of simple snacks, pizza always goes over well with any crowd. I’d suggest buying a large deli pizza from somewhere like ALDI, Sam’s Club, or Costco. And if you’re ordering out be sure to check for coupons and take advantage of rewards programs of your favorite pizzeria. But regardless of where it comes from, choose to cut your pizza party style rather than in the traditional triangular shapes. Cutting your pizza in squares makes the food stretch further. Your guests enjoy a game time favorite without buying off more than can chew and wasting money.
Make Your Own Veggie and Snack Trays
While preassembled snack trays rank high on the convenience scale, they bring with them astronomical uncharges. Instead of snagging one of those plastic molded trays, opt to make your own. Not only will you save big bucks, you’ll avoid waste by purchasing only the veggies your family will actually eat.
Order is Everything
When you line up your big game buffet, where you place the snacks is EVERYTHING when it comes to saving money and making healthy choices. Place the most economical and healthy options at the front of the line near the plates. People typically put the very first items in line on their plate whether they’ll eat them or not. Save the more expensive and decadent items for the end of the line.
Play Bingo or Break Out the Crayons
If you have fans who are less than enthusiastic about the game this year. Have your kids color team logos or helmets. Or let them tackle this super fun Football Scavenger Hunt before the game begins. Every year, I love to print cute Super Bowl Bingo Commercial cards for my family! We don’t really play for prizes, just bragging rights. But it’s a great way to enjoy the game without spending any extra money.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a fantastic time! Enjoy gathering with your friends and family. Enjoy great sports and great food. Cheer on your favorite team. But don’t drop a ton of cash on a one night event.
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission.
[…] 7 Creative Super Bowl Money Saving Tips […]