Many families and friends get together to celebrate, spend time together, and share a meal during the holiday season. However, due to inflation, food is more expensive this year. If you’re worried about the financial aspect of putting together a nice holiday meal, we have some ideas that may help you save money. You don’t have to spend a lot to make the holidays special, and by making a few changes, you can pay less and still have a delicious meal. Here are eight ways to make your holiday meal more affordable.
1. Shop with a list
When you don’t have a list, it can be easy to buy more than you need and forget essential ingredients. Before you head to the store to get your holiday meal ingredients, make a shopping list. That way, you’ll have a plan, which can help you spend less and make your shopping experience a lot easier.
2. Compare prices between stores
Before you head out to shop, it’s a good idea to look at sales flyers for stores in your area and compare prices on the items you need to buy. Most stores put popular holiday meal items on sale leading up to the holiday. If you have several stores near your home, you can compare prices and buy the cheapest items at each store. Just be sure to consider the cost of gas and the distance between stores before driving all over town.
3. Don’t ignore generic brands
While shopping, take a look at the cost of generic brand items and compare them to the cost of name-brand items. In many cases, store-brand products are a lot cheaper than name-brand products. Purchasing generic ingredients can offer significant savings, and no one will know the difference.
4. Use cash back apps
Cash back apps offer an easy way to earn cash back on your purchases. These mobile apps are simple to use, and they offer cash back at many popular grocery stores and other stores. The more you use these apps, the faster your earnings will add up. Once you meet the minimum cash-out amount, you can withdraw the funds you’ve earned. You can then use these funds for a future shopping trip.
5. Host a potluck dinner
If you’re hosting this year, consider suggesting a potluck dinner where everyone brings one dish. A potluck dinner makes for a fun experience because everyone gets to contribute, and it also lessens the financial burden for everyone. If …….