Turkey day is drawing nearer! Before you know it, you’ll be in the aisles of the grocery debating what to purchase and at the checkout line wondering how everything seems so expensive. Simply taking the time to pause and reflect on your shopping strategies can save you a bundle at the grocery store, both during the holiday season and every other trip you make each week of the year. Here are some specific Thanksgiving shopping strategies to employ to make sure your wallet, belly, and turkey are all stuffed this Thanksgiving.
Plan and list
Every week, if you want to save money at the grocery store, you need a strategic plan of attack. This includes not only a list of what items you’re missing but also a meal plan to follow. When you plan for Thanksgiving, be sure to think about the night before (which by the way is the #1 night in America to order pizza) and a light breakfast on Thursday morning. For a “regular” meal, I encourage individuals to choose a main course, veggie, and a fruit. However, holiday meals have a bit more pizazz so you might want to focus in on 2-3 veggies, a fruit, a bread, and a dessert in addition to your holiday meat. Walking into the grocery store without a meal plan and a targeted list for Thanksgiving is like begging the clerk to empty your wallet until there’s nothing left but a little bit of lint.
Check the coupons and sales
The good news for you and me is that stores will be battling to have you choose to shop there in the coming week and a half. So make the most of that competition and check both the store ads and snag a paper today filled with plenty of coupons. Depending on where you shop, there might also be digital coupons that you can use to further maximize your savings. I’m a big fan of Target’s printable, mobile, and Cartwheel coupons and I never shop at Meijer without using my mPerks. Today, investigate the best ways to save at your favorite grocery store and see what deals they’ll be offering to entice shoppers through their doors.
Skip the paper goods
There are few household chores I despise more than washing the dishes but if you’re looking to stretch your budgeted dollars just a wee bit further this Thanksgiving, then leave the paper plates, plastic cups, and even festive napkins on the shelf. Whether you assemble a table bedecked with grandma’s china or have a mismatched dish spread, you’ll rest easier knowing that you celebrated gratitude without overspending.
Calculate your time
9 times out of 10, I’m going to recommend that you make everything from scratch but there is always that 10th occasion. Labor intensive dishes like pies might be worth purchasing in the store or at a restaurant, especially if it’s not a labor that you love. So be sure that when you begin determining what you will and won’t make or whether or not to make a dish completely from scratch or opting for an easier semi-homemade method, calculate how much time you have.
Abide by the rule of 3-5
This is probably one of my favorite money saving tips of all time. Before you check out, scan your cart. My guess is 3-5 items have jumped into it that you really don’t need. I fall victim to this more during the holidays than any other time of the year. So, I simply look over what I plan on purchasing and select 3-5 items to either put back or give to the clerk rather buying and suffering regret. You will save $5-10 without a single coupon or really that much effort.
It’s easy to get caught up in the bells and whistles of any holiday celebration, forgetting why we truly celebrate. In the end your family won’t remember what was on the table as much as the time you spend together. And more than likely, you’re going to need a few extra dollars’ worth of breathing space as we head into the Christmas season. Be intentional in budgeting for Thanksgiving and managing your dollars well so you can be truly grateful for what you have.
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