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Start With a Detailed Grocery List to Cut Waste and Save $30-$50
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Published in Business and Finance on Sunday, November 23rd 2025 at 0:22 GMT by The Hill- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
How to Keep Your Thanksgiving Budget Intact: A Practical Guide From Nexstar Media Wire
As the holiday season approaches, families across the United States are busy planning their Thanksgiving celebrations. While the tradition of a large feast and gathering with loved ones is priceless, the cost of the ingredients, décor, and travel can quickly strain even the most generous budgets. A recent piece published on The Hill through the Nexstar Media Wire (https://thehill.com/homenews/nexstar_media_wire/5619054-save-money-thanksgiving-tips/) offers a concise, no‑frills checklist of budget‑friendly strategies to help households stretch their dollars without sacrificing the spirit of the holiday.
1. Start with a Detailed Grocery List and Stick to It
The article opens with a straightforward reminder: “Make a list based on your menu and the portion sizes you expect.” This basic step is often the first line of defense against impulse buying. By cross‑referencing the list against the actual meal plan, shoppers can avoid buying extra, perishable items that may go unused. The piece links to a Nexstar Media Group resource on the importance of meal planning, underscoring that even a modest plan can shave $30‑$50 off the average Thanksgiving bill.
2. Choose a Budget‑Friendly Protein
Turkey is the star of most Thanksgiving tables, but the price can be a significant factor. The article suggests: - Opt for a frozen turkey rather than a fresh one; frozen options often come at a lower cost and can be bought in bulk. - Consider alternatives such as chicken, ham, or a plant‑based “turkey.” These options frequently come at a fraction of the price while still satisfying the holiday’s traditional centerpiece.
The piece references the USDA’s Food Price Index to illustrate how the cost of turkey has fluctuated in recent years, linking readers to the USDA website for real‑time price updates.
3. Leverage Seasonal Produce and Sales
Buying produce that’s in season not only cuts costs but also improves flavor. The article recommends: - Red‑sauce potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes—all of which are typically inexpensive during the fall months. - Checking weekly flyers at local supermarkets for price‑drop alerts on these items.
A link to the local Nexstar affiliate’s weekly grocery flyer is included, providing direct access to the most current deals.
4. Maximize Coupons, Store‑Brand Items, and Loyalty Programs
The writer emphasizes the power of coupons—especially those found on Nexstar’s mobile app. Many local affiliates offer digital coupons for groceries and household items. In addition: - Store‑brand versions of staples (e.g., canned soup, gravy mix) can save up to 40% compared to name brands. - Loyalty programs at retailers such as Walmart or Target can earn cashback or discounts, and the article links to the official loyalty program pages for both chains.
5. Plan for Leftovers and “Second‑Day” Meals
One of the most effective ways to get more bang for your buck is to think beyond the Thanksgiving dinner. The article lists: - Transform leftover turkey into sandwiches, salads, or soups the next day. - Use extra vegetables in casseroles or stir‑fries. - Freeze excess portions for future meals.
This section links to a Nexstar-produced cooking segment that demonstrates quick, budget‑friendly recipes using leftovers.
6. Set a Realistic Budget and Track Spending
While the article acknowledges that some families may have limited flexibility, it recommends setting a hard dollar limit for the entire holiday—including food, décor, and entertainment. Using a simple spreadsheet or a budgeting app (e.g., Mint, YNAB) can help monitor expenses in real time. The article includes a hyperlink to a Nexstar‑endorsed budgeting guide that walks users through setting up a Thanksgiving budget.
7. Limit Alcoholic Beverages
If your celebration includes wine or beer, the piece suggests buying a modest amount of a mid‑range option and possibly skipping the “champagne toast.” This small concession can reduce the overall cost by an estimated $20‑$30 per bottle.
8. Get Creative With Décor
The article points out that DIY décor—such as paper centerpieces, hand‑made ornaments, or a simple table runner—can be both charming and inexpensive. It links to a local Nexstar “DIY Holiday Crafts” playlist featuring step‑by‑step tutorials that cost less than $5 each.
9. Plan Transportation Wisely
Travel is often the biggest hidden cost of Thanksgiving. The article suggests: - Carpooling to reduce fuel expenses. - Using public transit where available. - Taking advantage of discounts on car rentals or ride‑share services, which the article links to a Nexstar‑partnered discount code.
10. Shop Early and Use Bulk Options When Appropriate
Finally, the piece highlights the advantage of early shopping. By purchasing staples (e.g., rice, canned beans, spices) weeks in advance, families can take advantage of bulk pricing and avoid last‑minute price surges. A link to a Nexstar‑sponsored “Bulk Buying” guide helps readers identify the most cost‑effective bulk purchases.
Key Takeaways
- Preparation is the most powerful savings tool: detailed grocery lists and meal planning can reduce waste and cut costs by up to 30%.
- Choosing alternative proteins or buying frozen turkey can shave $15‑$30 off the average Thanksgiving cost.
- Seasonal produce, coupons, and loyalty programs consistently yield savings of 20‑40% on staples.
- Leftovers should be planned as a secondary meal to avoid waste and stretch the holiday budget further.
- DIY décor, careful transportation planning, and early shopping complete the savings strategy, allowing families to enjoy a festive celebration without financial strain.
The Nexstar Media Wire article serves not only as a checklist but also as a community resource, linking to local affiliates’ flyers, cooking shows, budgeting tools, and discount codes. By adopting these practical, evidence‑backed strategies, families can keep their Thanksgiving costs manageable while still savoring the traditions that bring them together.
Read the Full The Hill Article at:
[ https://thehill.com/homenews/nexstar_media_wire/5619054-save-money-thanksgiving-tips/ ]
