There’s just nothing quite like Thanksgiving weekend: A morning prepping turkey and learning Grandma’s famous roll recipe, parades and football on the TV, dinner that tastes of nostalgia, long afternoon naps and mad dashes to the mall.
In between eating and shopping, we’re sharing moments with family as we gather for what may be the first time in months. And better yet, we know Thanksgiving is just the start of the exciting season to come complete with gift-giving and more food.
It’s no wonder we shell out the big bucks for our time together, right? Unless you wake up from your turkey-induced coma with loads of regret from all the sales you indulged in from Black Friday.
This year, enjoy spending more time with one another while spending less money.
Prioritize your holiday plans
Think beyond Thanksgiving for a moment: Write out all the things you’d like to do between now and the new year.
Include travel, gifts, dinners and parties. Take some time to rank your holiday wish list and be sure your budget reflects your decisions.
Make a budget and check it twice
Don’t you know that Santa works year-round? So should your budget.
Now that your holiday priorities are in order, you can budget appropriately for the coming season.
Keep things simple
Sometimes in our Pinterest- and Instagram-ridden world, it’s easy to forget what Thanksgiving is all about: Being thankful. And if we’re honest with ourselves, we all know that people are what really make our lives rich.
With this is mind, think about simplifying these things so you have more time to spend with the people you love.
Accept invitations from others
Did you get an invitation to join family or friends at someone else’s place for Thanksgiving? Take them up on the offer!
Show your gratitude by offering to bring a dish and helping with cleanup after dinner. You’ll save money and make a friend for life!
Volunteer your time
Call us crazy, but there’s really no better way to build your savings over the Thanksgiving weekend than to skip your own dinner and provide one for someone else in need.
Be a smart shopper
Surveys suggest the average person will drop $743 between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Talk about an expensive weekend!
We’re OK with this number — as long as you’re getting good deals, buying stuff you already planned to buy and keeping all of your spending in line with your budget.
Stay on track by researching sales and making a specific shopping list before heading to the store or sitting down at your computer.
Give yourself time to de-stress
We all enjoy the holidays more when they’re not crammed with activities and stress. Less really does give us more.
As you approach the start of this busy season look for opportunities to slow down. Build space into your day and into your budget.
Allow yourself a little breathing room, so you have the chance to take in and appreciate the joy that’s happening around you.
Article and tips by Dave Ramsey
