Spend Less on Thanksgiving Dinner

If you're one of those people who spends at least $300 or more for Thanksgiving dinner each year, do your self a favor. Spend less in 2010 by changing your approach. Obtain your food supplies at a discount and keep more money in your pocket. Just:

1- Use coupons.
Spend less on Thanksgiving dinner by going old school and using coupons. You can find a variety of these money-savers at Coupons.com. Membership is free.

2- Host a potluck.
Ask family members and friends to pitch in this holiday season and bring a Thanksgiving dish. You purchase the turkey (or ham). Allow them to round out the meal with delicious side dishes, desserts and beverages.

3- Pay only a dollar.
Places like the Dollar Tree offer quality foods for only $1. Spend less on Thanksgiving dinner by picking up canned or boxed ingredients such as stuffing, croutons, green beans and pumpkin filler at this type of discount store. These kinds of goods add up and usually sell at vendors like Safeway for higher prices.

4- Shop with a friend.
Spend less on Thanksgiving dinner by shopping with a friend. Most grocery stores have 2-for-1 sales or discounts on bulk items. As a result, if you share expenses down to splitting your main course in half, you'll hold onto more of your paycheck.

5- Make a grocery list.
Before you go to your favorite grocer, make a list. A good list will help you focus on purchasing what you really need for your meal and avoid impulse buying. Also, you won't forget to get something simple like more pepper or napkins.

6- Eat before you shop.
Any financial expert will tell you to eat before you shop for food. Hungry people easily get caught up in fancy displays, strong aromas and snacks. So make sure you're feeling full before you step through any sliding glass doors and spend less on Thanksgiving dinner.

7- Cook a regular meal.
Who says you have to eat turkey and ham for Thanksgiving? Save money on this holiday meal by cooking a regular meal. As long as your food is hot and delicious, your family will understand. After all, your main goal is to get everyone together on one day in order to celebrate family and be grateful for life.

Feeling less pressure about turkey day? Spend less on Thanksgiving dinner by using these 7 tips. You don't have to shell out a lot of dough in order to cook a wonderful meal.

Also see:
Want to eat a moist turkey? Try one of these recipes.