WSVN — Thanksgiving is almost here and that means it’s time to feast on that fabulous dinner, but that doesn’t mean spending big bucks. In tonight’s Dollars and Sense, Lynn Martinez shows us how you can save on the turkey and all the holiday fixings.
It’s the feast most families look forward to every year.
Leanette Fernandez: “Corn, stuffing, cranberry sauce, we have turkey, we also do a pork, sometimes a ham.”
But all those dishes can be devastating for your bank account.
Leanette Fernandez: “Hosting Thanksgiving dinner can get pricey, especially the more people you have, the more you have to spend and prepare. So it can get a little bit expensive.”
South Florida money blogger Leanette Fernandez has hosted her fair share of parties and she says to keep yourself on a budget, first nail down how many guests you’re going to have.
Leanette Fernandez: “I like to create a list. I think it keeps me focused, not maybe spending money on items I don’t really need.”
She says plan your menu now and base it on what you can get the best deals on.
Leanette Fernandez: “If I have a certain menu in mind and I can’t find something at a good price and if I don’t need that item, I take it off my list.”
As for the turkey, that’s the one item you buy at the last minute since they usually go on sale closer to the holiday. And be sure to check your supplies, the last thing you want to do is pay high prices because you forgot something.
Leanette Fernandez: “That way I’m also not at the last minute going to maybe a drug store to buy something double the price because they’re the only one’s that are open that day.”
Another good money saver, let your guests pitch in with the cooking.
Leanette Fernandez: “I also ask my guests to come with a dish. Not only does it save me time, it also saves me money.”
Money you can spend on setting the perfect table.
Leanette Fernandez: “When it comes to decorations, I try to go to a dollar store.”
Once the holiday is over, shop the after holiday sales and get a head start on savings for next year.
Leanette Fernandez: “Maybe canned goods that don’t expire until the following year like past Thanksgiving, and maybe they’re half off, 75 percent off.”
And don’t forget, the most important part of Thanksgiving is spending time with the ones you love.
Leanette Fernandez: “I stress about all the details of making sure there’s a good meal there for my guests but ultimately it’s about being with them.”
For More Information:
http://teachme2save.com/value-of-saving-money/