 |
| |
|
|
|
|
Don’t be Gobbled up by Holiday Expenses
Subscribe to the MoneyManagement.org Press Mailing List
For more information contact:
Tanisha Warner (713) 394-3202 |
Release Date: November 8, 2007 |
Thanksgiving traditionally marks the beginning of the holiday season and many people start their holiday giving by serving a delicious Thanksgiving dinner. In fact, turkey farms around the country have been preparing for this day all year. According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, the national estimate for turkeys raised this year is 272 million; valued at over $3.86 billion.
Unfortunately, an expensive Thanksgiving dinner means less money left for holiday shopping. Like most large expenses, there are several ways to keep costs down, and the most important one is to plan ahead. To help trim the fat from your Thanksgiving budget, consider the following tips from the experts at Money Management International (MMI):
Use coupons. Keep your eyes open for coupons and specials at nearby grocery stores. Save your coupons by attaching them to your shopping list and taking them with you on shopping trips.
Make it pot-luck. Have family members bring a favorite dish, but make sure you know in advance what everyone is bringing so there is variety.
Don’t buy unnecessary items. If you need extra chairs, dishes, or serving pieces, ask your friends or family to bring them along or borrow them from a neighbor.
Play the waiting game. If you are serving the traditional turkey, wait as long as possible to buy it. Grocers tend to mark down the costs of whole, frozen turkeys as it gets closer to Thanksgiving. In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that the prices paid for turkeys in November were half of what consumers paid during the other 11 months of the year.
Serve inexpensive food. Turkey, chicken, and fish are all economical choices for main dishes. Avoid expensive name brands when grocery shopping, as it usually makes little difference.
Plan proper portions. Buy a turkey that is just large enough to feed your guests. If you plan ahead, you can avoid having to face turkey sandwiches for a week. If you are unsure how much food you will need, visit the turkey and stuffing calculator at http://www.butterball.com.
Start a new tradition. Start the season of sharing by giving of your time to the less fortunate. Consider serving meals to the homeless, or paying a visit to a local nursing home, hospital or animal shelter.
“Remember that holiday memories should last a lifetime,” said Cate Williams, vice president of financial literacy for MMI. “As you count your blessings this year, wouldn’t it be great to be able to give thanks for a debt-free holiday season?”
To learn more ways to cut cost during the holidays, register for MMI’s free holiday Webinar, “Planning for The Holidays,” on November 19 at 8:00 p.m. (EST) Simply visit http://webinars.moneymanagement.org/ and register on the web
|
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.
|
Back to Press Room |
|
|
|
|
