If you have ever hosted Thanksgiving for friends and family, you know how easily expenses can get out of control.

If you have ever hosted Thanksgiving for friends and family, you know how easily expenses can get out of control. Watch the savings stack up with these five simple tips to your holiday shopping experience.

1. Start Planning Early

   So, you’ve already decided to host Thanksgiving. Now, you need an accurate count of who’s coming. You’ll want to make sure you have enough seating, room for food at the table, and know who is bringing what dishes to the celebration. Planning ahead can save you time and money, and help to keep you stress-free.

2. Create a Budget and Stick to It

   Your budget shouldn’t go out the window during the holiday season. Now that you have your holiday plans worked out, make sure to stick to your budget. Use a list to shop with confidence knowing that you will stay within your spending limits.

3. Keep Things Simple

   Although you may want to make a Pinterest board for your celebration, stick to simple decorations. The theme of Thanksgiving is gratitude, after all, so you don’t need to spend lots of money on decorations. Encourage your children be resourceful and gather pinecones from the yard to use as a centerpiece. Swap out expensive china for disposable plates for easy cleanup. Stretch out a roll of butcher paper across the table and leave markers for your guests to write down the things in which they are thankful. As for your meal, focus on a few key dishes, and ask guests to bring something to share.

4. Use Coupons and Shop Sales

   Stay on track by researching sales, using coupons and making a specific shopping list before heading to the store. You can also save money by shopping early – around two to three weeks before Thanksgiving. Pick up your canned goods, spices, frozen turkey, and baking items weeks before you host. These early-November sales will likely be the best all year, and will help you avoid purchasing all the necessities right before the holiday. Not to mention, these items might sell out right before Thanksgiving.

5. Consider Volunteering Your Time

   There is no better way to celebrate the holiday than by lending your time and resources to those in need. Reach out to your local homeless shelter or food pantry to see how you can help. You can volunteer through Meals on Wheels, offer to go grocery shopping for an at-risk individual or elderly couple, or donate to a clothing drive.

The information provided in these articles is intended for informational purposes only. It is not to be construed as the opinion of Central Bancompany, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and does not imply endorsement or support of any of the mentioned information, products, services, or providers. All information presented is without any representation, guaranty, or warranty regarding the accuracy, relevance, or completeness of the information.

Category: Family & Estate