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Planning for Thanksgiving and Black Friday on a Budget

November 27, 2024 As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves excitedly planning for Thanksgiving gatherings and the subsequent Black Friday shopping spree. While these events are filled with joy and anticipation, they can also put a strain on our finances. Here are some practical tips to help you celebrate Thanksgiving and enjoy Black Friday shopping without breaking the bank that we are trying this year.We started planning our Thanksgiving menu which is both delicious and affordable. We focused on traditional dishes that use inexpensive ingredients. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and green beans casserole are staples that can be made cost-effective. We are making some dishes from scratch, as pre-made items can be pricier. As hosts, we asked guests to bring a dish to share to not only reduce the expenses but to add variety to our meal. Weeks ago, we created a shopping list based on our menu. We looked out for sales and discounts in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. Buying non-perishable items in advance saved us money and reduced the last-minute rush. We utilized coupons and took advantage of store loyalty programs.Many retailers release their Black Friday deals in advance. We have started to take time to research and compare prices from different stores. Some deals might look attractive but may not be the best value. Online tools and apps have helped us track prices and find the best offers. We are shopping online to avoid the crowds and chaos of Black Friday. Many retailers offer the same deals online, and we can often find additional discounts or cashback offers. Shopping from the comfort of our own home can also help us stick to our list and budget more effectively.We decided on a total spending limit for Black Friday and utilizing some of our money in our holiday savings account. We are trying to stay within our limit to help us enjoy our purchases without the stress of debt.By planning ahead and being mindful of our spending, we hope we can enjoy a memorable Thanksgiving and a successful Black Friday without straining our finances. Happy holidays! You might also be interested in As we wrap up our last week on the money budget challenge, it's incredible to look back and see how much we've learned and grown. This journey has been... When it comes to managing investments, the importance of effective communication and trust cannot be overstated. Our recent experience with Summit Credit... We are thrilled to share some wonderful news—Matt has successfully graduated from his electrician apprenticeship! This major milestone not only signifies... Life often throws unexpected challenges our way, testing not only our resilience but also the flexibility of our financial planning. Recently, our family... As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves excitedly planning for Thanksgiving gatherings and the subsequent Black Friday shopping spree... We find ourselves quickly approaching the end of our budget competition. The past few months have been an exciting journey of financial mindfulness and... Check engine light drama and a flat tire adventure with a sprinkle of gratitude and resilience... Life has a funny way of testing us, often all at once. As the old saying goes, "When it rains, it pours." Recently, we've been feeling the truth of this... Financially, Britt’s new job has brought additional income, which has offset Matt’s layoffs, and we are trying to use any leftover money wisely. Staying...
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