It’s November! Time to get ready for Thanksgiving, finalize your holiday travel itinerary and finish (or start…) Christmas shopping. Here’s how you can spend less in November!
We learned 15 ways you can save in September and October — now, it’s time to take a close look at November. Here are 15 ways to save more money and spend less in November!
Save this Thanksgiving
If you’re hosting
Host Thanksgiving on a budget
Hosting Thanksgiving dinner is typically expensive, but it doesn’t have to be that way! Here’s how to host Thanksgiving dinner on a budget.
Savings: $20-$100
Wine on a dime
Wine doesn’t have to be expensive, either. Here’s how you can “wine on a dime” this Thanksgiving!
Savings: $10-$30
Save on table decor
Nothing says “Thanksgiving dinner” like beautiful table decor. Update your holiday tablescape with these modern ideas… on a budget.
Savings: $20-$40
Save on food
We recommend keeping recipes simple. Luckily, most classic Thanksgiving dishes require few ingredients and taste great, like this simple sweet potato casserole.
Savings: $5-$10
4 Cookbooks with budget-friendly Thanksgiving dinner ideas >>
Plan a potluck!
Instead of taking responsibility for the whole meal, have each guest bring a dish or two. You can do the turkey, stuffing and maybe a pie or two — the rest is up to the guests!
Savings: $20-$50
Tips on planning a Thanksgiving get-together with friends >>
Skip the pre-made meals
Sure, it’s tempting to buy a pumpkin pie that’s already been baked or frozen side dishes that just need to be heated, but it’s going to cost you more money. Instead, make everything from scratch — it costs less and tastes much better.
Savings: $5-$15
If you’re the guest
Don’t come empty handed
Saving money is easy if you’re the guest, but be polite and offer to make a dish or two to bring to dinner. Take inventory of the ingredients you already have on hand and find recipes based on those foods. At the very least, bring a bottle of festive wine for the hosts.
Savings: $10-$15
Save on travel
Book early
The closer the holidays get, the more expensive hotels and airfare become. Book flights, hotels and car rentals as early as possible to save money.
Savings: $50-$200
Use discount travel sites
Spend some time looking at various travel sites to see where you can get the best deal. Discount sites include Kayak.com, Hotwire.com and Hotels.com.
Savings: $50-$200
Get a ride to the airport
Airport parking averages $40 per day. See if a friend or family member can give you a ride. Return the favor when they need a ride or get them a small gift card as a thank-you.
Savings: $40+
Fly at odd times
It’s cheapest to fly in on holidays and their eves. It may be worth it to save money, especially if you’re flying with your entire family.
Savings: $50+
Pack light
Most airlines now charge to have a bag checked (with the exception of Southwest and JetBlue). Pack as few items as possible to avoid having to check a bag (and wait in long lines!).
Savings: $25+
Other ways to save
Stock up on fall produce
Purchase produce in season for fall — such as apples, pumpkins, broccoli, carrots and cherries. Click here for a seasonal fall food guide.
Savings: $10+
Take advantage of Black Friday
Black Friday offers some of the best deals of the year. Look for ads and coupons a few weeks in advance and decide which stores you want to go to. If you’re not a fan of long lines and shopping in the middle of the night, you can still save big by shopping online.
Savings: $25+
Don’t forget about Cyber Monday
Cyber Monday is Dec. 2 this year. Finish your Christmas shopping early this year by taking advantage of all the online sales.
Savings: $25+
More on saving money
Beyond coupons: 10 Tips for getting more
Frugal families: 15 Ways to save
Start young: Teaching teens smart money handling
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