6 Ways to Save on Thanksgiving Dinner

Let’s talk Turkey Day! With the current spike in food prices, we’ve created your ultimate guide for Thanksgiving savings, guaranteeing your feast is not only delicious but also budget-friendly. From selecting the right food brands to harnessing the power of your rewards checking account, we’ve got it covered. Here are 6 expert-recommended tips to help you save on Thanksgiving without sacrificing the joy of the season.

1. Make it a potluck

While some hosts take pride in providing all food for Thanksgiving, it's not always the smartest move, especially while food prices are skyrocketing. Let's spice things up with a potluck! As the host, you handle the main dish, and your guests can bring sides and desserts.

Why is this a win? It spreads the cost across everyone, saves you time in the kitchen, and lets you enjoy the company of your guests. Plus, it's a lifesaver for those friends with food sensitivities and allergies. No more awkward silences from that guest who is allergic to everything! Better yet, it avoids the drama of forgetting Aunt Mildred's favorite Brussels sprouts.

As the host, lead the charge! Create a list and have your guests sign up for different dishes. This way, you won't miss any essentials or end up with three kinds of salad and no pie!

2. Buy generic

Let's talk brands! We get it, those TV commercials are tempting. But here's the lowdown from Consumer Reports: generic products are 20-25% cheaper than the big shots. Salt is salt, no matter the logo. So whether it's for your whole shopping list or just the basics, generic is your wallet's best friend.

3. Compare prices at different grocery stores

Ready for a shopping adventure? After making a list of your ingredients, take the time to compare prices at your top three supermarkets. During the holidays, grocery stores compete to attract shoppers by offering discounts and other special deals. It's like a price war out there, and you're the winner! Check those weekly ads (they usually start on Sundays), and remember that no single store will have the jackpot for everything. You might find green beans for 15% off in one store and 30% off turkey at another. Compare like a pro, and you'll be swimming in savings!

4. Sales and coupons

Turkey Day doesn't have to be a bank-breaker. Treat your holiday food shopping like Black Friday – plan and hunt for those deals! From cranberry sauce to pie crust, grocery stores will have sales on those essential items leading up to the feast.

You can stretch your Thanksgiving budget further with coupons and savings apps. Look for coupons in your local paper or visit coupon websites. Store newsletters are also promising because they may contain exclusive deals. And don’t forget to keep an eye on social media for deals from brands. With these tricks, your dinner won’t just be delicious; it will be budget-friendly too.

5. Leftovers, anyone?

Leftovers – the unsung heroes of Thanksgiving. Don't let them go to waste and drain your wallet! Plan ahead by incorporating leftovers into your meals. Get creative by baking your cranberries and fruits into muffins, scones, or bread. Turkey is also versatile for soup, chili, casserole, or the ultimate sandwich. Do you have more leftovers than your fridge can handle? Freeze your food for future meals! You’ll be thankful to spend less money on food after Thanksgiving.

6. Score with Select Rewards Checking

And for an extra layer of strategy, consider using your Academy Bank Select Rewards Checking account for these Turkey Day purchases. It's not just a checking account; it's your gateway to money-saving discounts at your go-to retail spots, complete with instant access to mobile coupons. Taking your Thanksgiving shopping digital? The $hopping Rewards^TM feature opens up a world of exclusive offers and discounts at thousands of leading online retailers. Simply shop online using our customized shopping portal and watch the cash back roll in. It's the savvy way to stretch your Thanksgiving budget even further!

The bottom line

Navigating Thanksgiving on a budget demands some upfront planning, but the payoff is worth it. As the holiday season approaches, remember: a well-prepared Thanksgiving not only reduces stress but also ensures your bank account stays merry and bright, free from any post-holiday financial hangover. Cheers to a budget-friendly and joyous Turkey Day!

Learn more how the Select Rewards Account can help you save.

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