Thanksgiving is one of our favorite times of year. Family, food, football, and a few days to slow down.
But for a lot of families, it’s also when spending starts to spiral. Between travel, hosting, groceries, and “just one more thing” for the table, it’s easy to blow through hundreds of dollars without realizing it.
I know, because I used to do it every year. Then January would roll around, and I’d be wondering how a single meal could turn into another month of credit card payments.
So this year, let’s do it differently. Here are 7 ways to enjoy Thanksgiving without the money hangover that usually follows.
1. Set a Real Budget (and Stick to It)
Before you buy a single ingredient or plane ticket, decide how much you’re willing to spend. Not what you wish you could spend, what you can actually afford right now.
Write it down and break it into categories: food, travel, and extras. When you put it on paper, you’re more likely to make intentional choices instead of emotional ones.
If your total feels tight, that’s okay. You can still have an amazing Thanksgiving. You just might need to swap the deep-fried turkey for a classic roasted one and skip the $60 centerpiece.
2. Shop Your Pantry First
Before you make your grocery list, open your cupboards. You might already have the broth, spices, flour, or baking supplies you need.
Every bit helps, especially when prices on everything are higher than ever.
3. Don’t Wait Until the Week Of
Procrastination is expensive. If you wait until the week of Thanksgiving, you’ll pay more, settle for what’s left, and probably grab extras you don’t need.
Start shopping now. Grab nonperishables and frozen items early, and spread the cost over the next three weeks. It’s a lot easier to drop $40 a week than $120 the night before the big meal.
4. Skip the Fancy Extras
Let’s be honest, those “must-have” holiday extras are what kill your budget. New dishes, themed napkins, matching candles… none of that stuff makes Thanksgiving better.
People don’t remember the décor. They remember the stories, the laughter, and the time together.
Focus on what really matters, and your stress (and spending) will both drop.
5. Make It a Team Effort
If you’re hosting, don’t try to do it all yourself. Ask guests to bring a side dish, dessert, or drink. Most people love to contribute.
Not only does it lighten your grocery bill, but it makes everyone feel more connected to the meal. A potluck Thanksgiving still tastes like gratitude, and it costs a whole lot less.
6. Leave the Credit Card at Home
Nothing ruins a good holiday faster than January’s credit card statement. If you can’t pay for it today, it’s not worth the stress tomorrow.
Use cash or debit. When you see the money leave your account, you’ll automatically think twice before overspending.
That small pause can save you big time after the holidays.
7. Plan for Next Year, Now
When the dishes are done and everyone’s in a turkey coma, take 10 minutes to jot down what you actually spent this year.
Use that number to plan ahead for next year. If Thanksgiving cost you $240, divide that by 12, it’s just $20 a month. Set it aside automatically, and next year you’ll enjoy it completely debt-free.
Future you will be so thankful you did.
You don’t have to spend big to make Thanksgiving special.
You just have to spend intentionally.
The holidays are about gratitude, not guilt.
And if you want to build a plan that helps you stay consistent and stress-free all year long, that’s exactly what we do inside Roots.
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