Thanksgiving Budget Survival Guide

Presenting . . . my new "Thanksgiving Budget Survival Guide!" I am asked by money-managing and other recipe websites to assemble ideas like this around the Turkey Day time of year, so here we go . . .

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Plan ahead. Prices on food and related supplies go up as you get closer to Turkey Day because demand increases, so stores can charge more. There may be an overload or breakdown in the supply chain which drives costs up. Planning ahead is essential anyway, as grocery prices are higher right now in general.

There are many ways and places to scout for discounts. One of my favorite neighborhood groceries has a very sturdy website with online coupons you can select then redeem in the store at checkout. Other larger chains, like Kroger and Safeway, have apps that allow you to scout digital coupons right on your phone as part of their loyalty programs.

Dollar store chains are also your friend, and stock many discounted staple ingredients for Turkey Day, like flour, gravy mixes, canned pumpkin, baking supplies, spices. Be careful though, sometimes the quantity of a package of the same brand at a dollar store is smaller than a regular grocery, so you might actually be paying more. And YES buy generic, when that works for you. Generic brands often come from the same companies that manufacture name brands, and it can gladly be hard to tell the difference in taste and quality!

Take advantage of what are known as “loss leaders” when you can, but have discipline. A loss leader is a product (such as a turkey) that is marked down at an apparent loss to the store, but the strategy is to lead you in so you’ll pick up all kinds of other goods that are full price or even priced at a premium for the holiday season. Presto chango! For the store, that turkey then becomes a “profit leader”!

Think about substituting frozen for fresh. Vegetables, pie crusts, dinner rolls. There are all kinds of products that will not only save time, but money too—and reduce preparation-related food waste at the same time.

Compare, compare, compare. You may notice a local family-run Hispanic or Asian grocery is simply more sensible about pricing their goods than a large chain is. Choose to do a good part of your shopping there instead. And, of course, supporting small business owners keeps your neighborhood economically diverse, which will continue to attract enterprising business energy to your community.

If you buy in bulk (loss leaders, I’m looking at you) be sure you read up on the best ways to freeze different foods for best results. The google machine is your friend here. Airtight containers and proper labeling go a long way. Shop with a buddy: split things like large bags of flour, sugar, or even bulk paper towels if you know you’re not going to use all of it right away.

Switch up the menu. I’m cooking an Indian feast this year for my family (using chicken thighs for the main, not a huge turkey) and everybody is super excited. I can tell you now, I’ll spend less and have a lot less food waste as well. There are so many alternatives to a turkey if you just put on your thinking cap. Lasagna, or a tamale feast—so many affordable options if your family is willing to be creative.

And, be flexible. I’m wagering two cans of peas at the dollar store will be cheaper than two pounds of fresh green beans at the Winn-Dixie (perhaps a $4 to $5 savings) so this year it’s gonna be peas!

At the same time you’re planning ahead and shopping early, get organized! Take inventory of your pantry and spice rack. Don’t buy duplicates, which is clearly a waste of your hard-earned dough.

And even though some frozen items are cost-effective, cook other sides yourself from scratch. Ingredients for mac and cheese will not go to waste and will be cheaper overall than buying in-store pre-made. Last, but not least, encourage pot-lucking. Good cooks only, please! Best of luck and Happy Thanksgiving!

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