Did you know that the average Thanksgiving meal costs $43 (American Farm Bureau)? With Thanksgiving just a few days away, many of you will be shopping, cooking, and baking in preparation for the big day. Because our economy is uncertain, many of us spend time researching prices, cutting coupons, and finding ways to get the most out of our money. There isn’t a shopping trip I’ve completed without comparing prices or using coupons.
Last week, Walmart contacted me to participate in their Trim the Budget, Trim the Table Challenge. Armed with a $50 gift card, my mission was to set my meal budget, then shop for the necessary Thanksgiving food items. Because there is no Walmart SuperCenter in our area, I set my budget to $30 to allow $15 for the turkey and fresh veggies.
Here is what I found:
Canned Vegetables: $0.94 a can (I like the low sodium varieties which are a bit more) (4)
Stuffing: $1.50 (2)
Cranberry Sauce: $0.98 a can (we like this in place of gravy) (2)
Rolls: $1.34 a package (2)
Crackers: $2.50 a box (used as an appetizer with cheese) (2)
Pie Crust: $1.50 (2)
Canned Pumpkin: $1.23 (2)
Cider: $2.30 a bottle (2)
Grand Total before tax: $26.46
With the remaining $20, I plan to purchase a turkey (which costs around $15), salad, whipping cream and coffee.
Here are some of my tips for trimming your budget this Thanksgiving:
Make a list to avoid impulse purchases
Comparison shop by perusing online and print ads before shopping to save time
Use print and online coupons for regular purchases (if you use coupons for items you don’t regularly purchase, just to use the coupon, you will end up spending money unnecessarily)
When it makes sense, opt for store brands v. commercial brands which are usually cheaper
Buy in bulk, particularly when feeding a large group
Create a few simple, smaller dishes that everyone enjoys, rather than many elaborate dishes that may go to waste
Evaluate whether it’s more cost effective to cook/bake a dish versus buying a prepared version
What are your tips for a budget-friendly Thanksgiving meal?
Walmart offers competitive pricing and a wide selection of foods for your holiday cooking and baking needs. For more information, visit your local market or their website.
No compensation was received for this post. A gift card was supplied to facilitate this review.
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