6 Shopping Hacks to Gobble Up Extra Savings This Thanksgiving

We're approaching the end of 2023, and Thanksgiving will be here before we know it. For those hosting Thanksgiving gatherings with loved ones, now is the time to start planning what you'll serve and what essentials you'll need to pick up at the store.

If you're working hard to reach your financial goals, it can be beneficial to keep your spending in check. As long as you're strategic as you shop, you can stay on budget. Here are a few shopping hacks to help you gobble up extra savings this Thanksgiving.

1. Buy meal essentials at discount stores

Shopping at your local grocery store chain can get expensive fast. While it may be convenient to go to the store just down the road, you could overspend on food essentials. If you want to keep your spending in check this Thanksgiving, consider shopping at discount retailers like Aldi.

You can save up to 50% on select holiday essentials at Aldi. The retailer has Thanksgiving must-haves heavily discounted through the end of December. You can gobble up the most savings by shopping at a more affordable grocery store.

2. Don't shop without a plan

It's easy to spend more than you plan when you walk into a store without a plan. While it takes extra time to plan what you'll buy before you shop, doing so can help you keep more cash in your bank account. Make sure you decide what you'll be making and what ingredients you need before you walk into the store.

By creating a shopping list, you can avoid overspending and eliminate unnecessary impulse purchases. Your grocery store likely has a mobile app that you can use to review prices so you can stay on budget as you make your list. It pays to be prepared.

3. Buy in bulk

If you're cooking for many people or plan to serve up another big holiday meal in December, it may be worthwhile to buy in bulk. If you have the space to store extra essentials, this is one way to save money on holiday food costs. You can load up on bulk items by joining a warehouse club, like Costco. But make sure you can afford the yearly membership cost.

4. Don't forget to shop your pantry

Before you go to the store, check to see what you already have at home. When life gets busy, it's easy to forget about the canned foods and other nonperishable items that are taking up space in your cupboards. You may have some essentials that you need already, which could help you to make your upcoming holiday grocery trip less costly.

5. Skip the meat

No rule says you must prepare a turkey or ham for your holiday meal. You may want to consider going meatless this year. Doing this could make your grocery bill more affordable and result in a more creative dining experience for you and your guests. Opting for meat-free dishes like vegetable lasagna, roasted butternut squash, and broccoli and cheese casserole could save you money this holiday season.

6. Start shopping now

If you wait until the last minute to do your holiday shopping, it can quickly become overwhelming. You might also discover that it's challenging to find everything you need, and sales may be less plentiful than earlier in the season.

You can maximize your savings by getting some of your shopping done earlier in the month. Plus, this strategy allows you to spread out the total cost of your Thanksgiving meal so you're not stuck with an expensive credit card bill.

It's possible to host an affordable Thanksgiving gathering

If you're stressed about the upcoming holiday, take a few deep breaths. There's plenty of time left to get your shopping done. With a plan in place and a few strategic shopping decisions made, you can serve a delicious meal without going broke.

When buying your holiday meal essentials, consider using one of the best cash back credit cards so you can get rewarded for your credit card spending. If you're looking for other ways to save money and earn rewards, check out our free personal finance resources.