Family and friends, gather around the table, let’s say thanks for everything that we have received this year. Here’s a toast to family, friends, health, and happiness!

We understand that Thanksgiving can be a stressful time, whether you are travelling across the country to visit your family or hosting a big dinner. Here’s the top eight Thanksgiving on a budget tips!

Decorate from the outside in:
Instead of spending a fortune on decorations from Michaels, Superstore, Wal-Mart, etc. look outside. You can find natural things like acorns, dried leaves, and pine cones around your neighborhood. Send the kids outside to look for these things, this way they stay busy while you cook dinner. By doing this you are saving money and you can create your own arrangements. Try using fresh fruit and vegetables in your arrangements too, this way you can eat them afterwards!

Plan ahead:
If you plan ahead and stock up on Thanksgiving supplies that you are not planning on making from scratch, you can save a few dollars here and there. Look for sales and coupons; find your perfect Thanksgiving dinner over the few weeks before the big night!

Potluck dinner:
Host a potluck dinner, asking everyone to bring one thing. Make sure to ask everyone what they are bringing to make sure that you don’t have any doubles! This way, everyone feels like they are adding their part into the evening by giving, caring, and sharing.

Get paid for hosting dinner:
One way to cut costs on your holiday meal prep, and everything you buy is to earn some money back with a cash back/ point credit card. Superstore’s PC MasterCard, RBC’s cash back Visa, Costco’s Capital One MasterCard are all examples of credit cards that you can earn free meals on. (Just make sure to pay back your credit card!)

Buy generic:
A smart way to save money without leaving anything off your grocery list is to buy generic products over brand name ones. When all is said and done, you’ll have the same delicious results, with a few more dollars in your pocket.

Disposable:
Usually, the easiest way is not the cheapest way.
Disposable cutlery is easier to clean up, but don’t be lazy – it’ll cost you a lot of money. If you’re on a strict budget, always use existing cutlery. Ask a couple of family members to help you with the dishes afterwards.

Leftovers:
Everyone knows that one of the best things about Thanksgiving is eating the leftovers. Don’t let the aftermath of a massive feast sit in your fridge – transform those leftovers into delicious, hearty meals to last your family the entire week. Leftover turkey, stuffing, and greens can be made into soups, grilled cheese sandwiches, and pastas, so don’t let it go to waste!

Travel:

• Book ahead, at least 30 days in advance of the holidays can help you save some money.
• Avoid Friday’s; sometimes it’s easier and cheaper to fly on Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s.
• Travel hacks, if you have some time before you fly, checkout YYC Deals. There’s always discounted flights travelling around the world going up for various times around the year.
• Travel light, most airlines charge you about $20 per piece for checked baggage. Try to take a carryon instead.
• Credit cards, again sometimes you can earn points/ cash on flights. The WestJet MasterCard is a great example of this, going as far as offering you free flights everywhere WestJet travels.

We hope these tips were able to help you with your Thanksgiving! Please have a happy and safe Thanksgiving Canada!

Diya Professional Corporation

Sources:
https://www.ratesupermarket.ca/blog/easy-ways-to-save-money-on-thanksgiving/
https://www.bargainmoose.ca/features/how-to-save-money-on-canadian-thanksgiving-dinner-141076
https://www.magicalcredit.ca/5-money-saving-tips-for-hosting-a-thanksgiving-dinner/
https://www.thestar.com/business/personal_finance/2017/09/25/how-to-save-money-on-holiday-travel.html