5 Things You Can Do to Save Money on Thanksgiving

November 15, 2017

After a long year, Thanksgiving is finally just around the corner, signaling the beginning of the holiday season and everything that entails. As most people know, this is a time of endless family gatherings, gift-giving affairs, and shopping sprees that warm the heart, but can be particularly hard on personal finances. The accumulated debt that starts piling up on Thanksgiving and continues until after New Year's Eve can undo your credit rating faster than you can finish your first serving of turkey. However, there is no need to call off Thanksgiving to keep your finances intact, as there are ways to prepare for this celebration and the rest of the holidays without racking up unpayable debt.

There is no need to deprive yourself of a great Thanksgiving dinner, but there are ways to have a nice meal without breaking the bank. If you don't know where to start, here are five ways to save some pretty pennies while still stuffing yourself full of your favorite dishes.

1. Make a Budget.
   
   You'd be surprised at how much of a difference it can make to have a solid picture of all the spending you want or need to do when you are trying to save money on Thanksgiving, as you will know what your finances can allow and what they won't be able to sustain. This knowledge of what you can or can't spend is true power, as you will be able to make smarter choices about what to buy for dinner or if you need to skimp on cranberry sauce.
   
   The things you should consider including in your basic Thanksgiving budget are:
   
   
   • Food. Plan for the amount of people you are inviting and make a list of the appetizers, side dishes, and main course.
   • Planned activities. Are you doing anything before or after dinner? Factor it into your budget.
   • Decorations. Many Americans forget to write these down in their holiday budget and later are surprised at how strapped for cash they are. Take decorations into account and prevent future headaches.


2. Don't Buy More Food Than You Need.
   
   So, you're strolling down the poultry section at the supermarket and, suddenly, you see it. It is the biggest and most gorgeous Thanksgiving turkey you have ever seen. You take it and hand your credit card to the cashier with a determination that can only be understood as love. However, do you really think four people will be able to chow down on that 20-pound turkey you are so enamored with?
   
   It is quite common to overspend in food. People often think that having a little extra won't hurt anyone. But it can, especially if you are trying to steer clear of debt. Consider saving yourself from weeks of eating leftovers by forgoing quantity and focusing on a few quality dishes instead.


3. Don't Get Carried Away with Decorations.
   
   Decorations. They seem to be unavoidable during the holidays, and Thanksgiving is no exception. Many people splurge on them because they are set on creating the perfect atmosphere for their Thanksgiving dinner. But this often causes problems once the enchantment of the holidays is gone and you are left to ponder over your increased debt.
   
   To solve this predicament, a DIY approach can provide all the uniqueness your decorations need without the excess spending. Creating your own decorations can be both entertaining and cost-effective, and if you include your loved ones in the process, it can be even better.


4. It's Better to Host a Potluck.
   
   Well, let's assume this year's holiday budget is really tight and your means to cook a generous dinner are hampered. What can you do? Well, thankfully this is a time for sharing, which makes it the ideal time to host a potluck.
   
   If many folks are coming to dine at your home, make them feel generous and save money by letting them bring side dishes or beverages. This will keep to the sharing spirit of the season without the excess spending.


5. Suplement your Thanksgiving Budget with a Car Title Loan
   
   Since emergencies can happen, the possibility of having no money to celebrate Thanksgiving still exists. If your credit isn't outstanding but you are still thinking about getting a loan to get through December, you should consider getting car title loans.
   
   An car title loan is a great way of getting quick cash to do your Thanksgiving shopping on time. All you need to get one is to be over 18 years old and own your car. The process is fairly simple, and you can get the money you need on the same day you apply for the loan.

Here at Quick Cash Auto Loans, we specialize in providing the easiest and quickest loans in South Florida. All you need to do is call our loan experts at (786) 600-3411 and they will guide you through the process. You will need to provide your information, some easily available documents, and then come to our offices to get a car appraisal and inspection. If everything goes well, you will drive your own car back home or right to the store to do your holiday shopping with your money that same day.

If you want to enjoy your holidays without any financial worries, Quick Cash Auto Loans is a friend you can count on. Call us at (786) 600-3411 or fill out our contact form to have our loan experts get in touch with you. Also, remember that you can find us on Facebook at Quick Cash Auto Loans, and follow us on Twitter @QCashAutoLoans and Instagram @QuickCashAutoLoans. Enjoy the holidays!