Budget Friendly Ideas for Thanksgiving 2020

Even though the holiday is happening on a smaller scale for many people this year, several of our same Thanksgiving budgeting tips still apply. Here are some ideas to enjoy the holiday this year - and on a budget.

Host a virtual Thanksgiving.
Some people spend a lot of money to host their family’s Thanksgiving dinner, but due to the pandemic, the CDC is not encouraging large gatherings. To protect everyone's health, as well as your wallet, a virtual Thanksgiving dinner could be a better bet for your family this year.  Here are a few fun tips on how to do so:

• To make things exciting, email your family’s favorite recipes to your usual guests. Make sure to email them a week or more before Thanksgiving so they have time to shop and prepare.
• If you live close to a loved one that does not cook, deliver the meal. 
• Does your mom make the best mashed potatoes? If possible, cook that item virtually together and have her walk you through the steps.
• On Thanksgiving, gather by FaceTime or by Zoom to enjoy the holiday and meal together. (Don’t forget you can even play games over video with your friends and family members!)

Buy in season.
Sweet potatoes, squash, and pumpkin should be more affordable than many other fresh veggies during this time of the year, and they’re pretty much as autumn as you can get.

Use what you already have.
You may have some cans in the back of your cabinet that you totally forgot about or even some frozen vegetables way in the back of your freezer. Before you get started on your shopping list, see what you can make with what you already have in your kitchen and pantry.

Don’t be afraid of frozen vegetables.
It would be shocking if anyone realized the green beans you put in the casserole were purchased from the frozen section of the grocery store. Most frozen veggies are frozen just after they’re picked, so they will still be good and they are more affordable.

Collect those deals for your shopping list.
Shop tactically by collecting or looking up all of the Thanksgiving grocery store coupons the week before Thanksgiving. Compare prices between stores on all the items you need (via coupons or even online), then make a shopping plan to pick up everything at the most affordable price.

Look up budget friendly recipes.
We are sure you already have a whole collection of classic Thanksgiving recipes that you want to make, but it doesn’t hurt to learn some more or substitute a few this year. Head over to Pinterest to search for some budget-friendly options and make sure to follow the Bank Five Nine Pinterest page while you’re over there.

Buy in bulk.
Buying in bulk saves money, and if there are a few of the items you are making that have ingredients you use frequently, it’s a good way to save over time.  If you can, make extra servings of the meal and use your freezer to enjoy some of your Thanksgiving favorites all year long.

Figure out your turkey needs and do a little math.
Does it make sense to buy a whole bird, or could you settle for some breasts, thighs, and/or drumsticks? Since the CDC is suggesting that this year’s Thanksgiving tables be a little smaller while limiting the number of guests, maybe you  do not need a whole turkey. If you have family or friends who prefer chicken anyway, it could be the cheaper option.

Remember what the holiday is about.
The reality is that Thanksgiving this year isn’t going to look like it normally does. I think we can all agree that 2020 has been a very different kind of year, however there still are things to be thankful for. Most of us at Thanksgiving reflect on what we are thankful for and although we don’t have to be thankful for the pandemic, but we can be thankful through it. We encourage you to write down a few things you are thankful for (yes, even in 2020) to share with those you’re close with.  We will get it started! Bank Five Nine is grateful for those who choose to bank with us!