Thanksgiving is almost upon us. While the average American gets ready to spend just under $187 on Thanksgiving this year, I knew the personal finance community would have something to say about that. Namely, there are all sorts of ways to make your own Thanksgiving money wins.
Maybe you’re hosting, maybe you’re traveling, or maybe you don’t even celebrate American Thanksgiving, take a look at these money wins for some last-minute inspiration this year or to start planning for the next turkey day.
MC @ Keeping Up With The Bulls
What is your Thanksgiving money win?
It was my first time hosting Thanksgiving, and I had no idea what I was getting into. I had no idea how many kitchen items you needed to cook and serve Thanksgiving dinner, let alone paying for the food and decorations. Luckily, I started to plan ahead and borrower serving bowls and platters from friends. Plus, I looked for sales and clipped coupons. I still spent more than I planned (mostly because I underestimated the expense!), but I still was able to save money. I wrote about all my tricks to save money hosting Thanksgiving here.
Why are you pumped?
It’s always a great feeling to offer the same experience at a lower cost without sacrificing anything. I still was able to host Thanksgiving, make all my planned dishes and decorate.
What can others learn from it?
Planning ahead will help you not only save money hosting Thanksgiving, but it will help avoid mishaps like forgetting to thaw a turkey in time or not having a kitchen tool needed to make a dish.
Courtney @ YourAverageDough
What is your Thanksgiving money win?
Having Thanksgiving dinner at my parents’ house.
Why are you pumped?
It’s free (well, I’ll still bring a side and/or dessert but by choice).
What can others learn from it?
If you are usually the one to host a holiday, but are feeling financially strapped, see if someone else would be willing to host instead and offer to contribute. Or if you still would like to host, ask everyone coming to bring something, so the financial (and other) stress is not solely your responsibility!
Bacon and Heels
What is your Thanksgiving money win?
We live in Montreal, Canada and since US Thanksgiving is close to Christmas, we drive to Plattsburgh, NY (a 45-minute drive from Montreal) and get Butterball turkeys one week before the US Thanksgiving holiday. We buy frozen turkeys and use the birds for Christmas! Generally, we save $40-$45.
Why are you pumped?
We are being smart with our money and maximizing how far our money can go.
What can others learn from it?
Look for deals not just in your own state/province to save some money.
[Penny’s note: I am going to be smiling about this Thanksgiving money win clear until next turkey day. I’ve heard of driving across state lines for cars. But leaving the country for turkey savings is a new one! It totally makes sense for quick trips!]
Camp Mustache Toronto
What is your Thanksgiving money win?
Go camping and avoid the whole feast thing. The parks are empty and the leaves look amazing.
Why are you pumped?
Have you seen these pictures? Look at these pictures!! (OK, that was 5 years ago, and in September, but still.)
What can others learn from it?
You don’t need a feast and pile of people to be thankful. You need to get out and appreciate the world.
Me!
What is your Thanksgiving money win?
Thanksgiving is one of my very favorite holidays because it’s so low key. OK, at least compared to the other big holidays. (Though not everyone in my family got the Chill Out memo. My mom hasn’t hosted for years, but she still brings an entire ham and sometimes the turkey, too.) Now that we have HP, we mostly miss out on the actual dinners (because, let’s be real, they’re actually lunches) and bop from house to house after his nap. What does that mean? Stress-free leftovers and desserts! In addition to bringing whatever the hosts request, I use my grocery apps on my phone to find a beer and a wine to bring as thank you gifts.
Why are you pumped?
It’s the least I can do, and if I check enough of the apps, I can usually save a few bucks on something I would buy anyway!
What can others learn from it?
Ibotta is great for saving money on booze. We generally gift consumables, so it’s fantastic around Christmastime. It’s always good to check during other times of year, too. In general, rebate apps might not seem like much, but it adds up (as long as they’re for things you’d buy anyway!). We’re taking a huge chunk out of Christmas spending with rebates and cashback this year!
RELATED POST: Should I Worry About Christmas in July?
Final Thoughts on Thanksgiving Money Wins
While I know the holiday definitely has a dark side (no, I’m not talking about uncles who insist on talking politics or aunts who insist on everyone having just a little taste of cranberry sauce from a can that fools no one), the general premise of taking time to give thanks means a lot to me. It seems that gratitude is in short order these days, probably due to the pace at which society moves. The fact that most of us carve out time on our calendar to see family and friends makes me happy. Plus, copious amounts of pie also makes me happy.
While we’re talking happiness and gratitude, let’s talk about this blog for a moment. It’s always a joy to share these money wins, and I’m so grateful for every person who stops by to read. Whether you celebrate American Thanksgiving or just drive across the border for cheap turkeys, I am so thankful for you. Truly.
To see the full money wins series, check out this link.
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Happy Thanksgiving!
All great wins! I did a Friendsgiving ahead of Thanksgiving, since my friends mostly spend the day with their families (some of whom are even out of town). It was more than I wanted to spend in the end, but I’ve got leftovers for days and days. In fact, I may have to freeze some of the white meat because I’m not sure I can eat it all in time. I’ll give it a day or two and see how much of a dent I’ve made/how sick of turkey I am.
Now if only the pumpkin pie hadn’t turned out so well… I was left with a whole one (I made two, but people all brought dessert with them this year.), and my waistline is NOT going to benefit from its yumminess.
All great money wins as usual!! We all should appreciate Thanksgiving with all of our loved ones and enjoy each other’s company with love, great food and creating more memories. Happy Thanksgiving Penny!!