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Don't Be Gobbled Up By Holiday Spending
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Kelly Rote (713) 394-3201 |
Release Date: November 10, 2005 |
HOUSTON (November 10, 2005)— During these times of high-energy costs and increased interest rates, consumers still have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. In fact, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), the average cost of a standard Thanksgiving dinner decreased last year to $35.68, from 2003’s $36.28.
While we are on a roll reducing the cost of Thanksgiving dinner, there are other costs associated with the holiday season that really add up. The experts at Money Management International offer these shopping and decorating tips for shaving a little more off of this year’s Turkey Day:
Substitute – There is no need to buy costly special ingredients when the standard, less expensive ingredients produce the same taste. Check the substitution guide available in most cookbooks to determine if substitutions are acceptable for your dish.
Weigh your options - Consider using frozen veggies in lieu of fresh when possible. Brand comparison is another good way to reduce cost. Store brands usually offer the same quality as name brand items.
Wait for Last minute deals - Many supermarkets begin marking turkey prices down before Thanksgiving Day. Check with the supermarket staff for special sales and other offers. For example, many stores offer a free turkey for spending a predetermined minimum on the rest of the meal during the holidays.
Prepare sides that go a long way –Sides like mashed potatoes and rice will be filling to the belly without starving the pocketbook. Also, consider having each of your guests bring a side, to lower your cost and increase the diversity of the meal.
Use decorations from nature - Have you ever heard the saying, “Beauty is best found in nature?” The same concept can be true when decorating for this year’s Thanksgiving holiday. Dried leaves and pinecones from the front yard, along with berries and colorful vegetables, make great centerpieces and wall hangings.
Recycle Halloween – Don’t be frightened by the cost of holiday decorations twice in one year. Make the most of your Halloween decorations during this Thanksgiving holiday. For example, turn discounted pumpkins into pumpkin pie or add bushels of corn on the cob around your scarecrow to duplicate the harvest.
“Paring down your Thanksgiving budget will allow you to save for the rest of the holiday season,” said Cate Williams, vice president of financial literacy for MMI. “Setting money aside now will help ensure that you don’t have to start your holiday gift shopping in financial strain. If you can carry these tips through the holiday season, you can avoid being greeted by high credit card bills in the New Year.”
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Money Management International, is a non-profit community service organization that provides confidential financial guidance, counseling and debt management assistance to consumers. MMI helps consumers trim their expenses, develop a workable budget, lower their debt payments and repay debts. Services are available by phone. To visit with an MMI counselor, call toll-free 1-800-762-2271- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Spanish speaking counselors are available. Consumers can also learn more by visiting the MMI home page at www.moneymanagement.org.
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