Try These Thanksgiving Hacks
Thanksgiving is the best time of year; it brings families together, has great food, and has cool weather. Parades, football, and fall are always a lot of fun. It can also bring a lot of stress. These holiday hacks can help save you some time, money, and maybe even a little stress this Thanksgiving.
1. Book your flight early
Book your flight as early as possible if you’re flying home for Thanksgiving. According to SkyScanner, booking a Thanksgiving flight in September can save you 4 percent off the ticket price.
2. Travel light
You likely won’t be gone for long, and if you’re going home, you can always dig up something to wear if you haven’t packed for every occasion.
3. Get an accurate guest count as early as possible
If you’re hosting, this should be your first step. Find out exactly how many guests you expect for Thanksgiving dinner, so you don’t overcook or need to run out at the last minute for more groceries.
4. Plan your menu early
This way, you will buy only what you need and won’t randomly pick up items just in case you need them.
5. Take stock before shopping
Don’t buy a thing until you know what you already have at home.
6. Shop early and shop the sales
Most supermarkets spread their sales weeks before the big day. Save big by picking up what you need as it gets marked down leading up to Thanksgiving.
7. Use pennies instead of pie weights
Instead of using a pie weight as you pre-bake your pie shells, line them with foil and then fill the center with pennies to keep the dough weighed down as it bakes.
8. Keep your mashed potatoes in your slow cooker
How do you keep your mashed potatoes soft when every burner on your stovetop is occupied leading up to Thanksgiving dinner? With this hack, of course! After preparing your potatoes, spread butter on your slow-cooker insert, add some heavy cream, and then pour in the potatoes. Keep the temperature low and occasionally stir to keep the spuds soft and creamy.
9. Use aluminum foil instead of a roasting rack
Twist some foil into thick ropes and weave them across the bottom of your roasting pan until they’re strong enough to hold your bird. Instant roasting rack!
10. Spray-paint plastic fruit to use as décor
Spray-paint plastic fruit with colors to match your décor for a festive look that doesn’t break the budget.
11. Buy a frozen turkey
Frozen turkeys are cheaper than fresh, and if you prepare it well, no one can tell the difference.
12. Skip the appetizer
Appetizers can take a while to prepare; you don’t want your guests filling up before you bring out your turkey. Consider skipping the appetizer and just starting with a tossed salad.
Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving from all of us here at Elevate Credit Union. If you enjoyed this post, make sure to check out our other MoneySmart Tips on our blog.
