It’s Thanksgiving week here in America, and for many that means spending on travel, food, family, and friends. It may mean overspending in addition to eating a bit too much as well. After all, this holiday is famous for vast amounts of food and consumption thereof. It is also famous for spending money to visit family and friends and especially on that day after Thanksgiving, namely Black Friday.
Since it is Thanksgiving week, I’ll keep this post short and simply use it as a reminder that you try to keep your spending in check among all the festivities. If you do spend, spend on people and experiences and consider taking a hike on Black Friday this year instead of giving your credit card a workout.
Bird is the word!
Don’t need the whole fixins’ for Thanksgiving dinner? If it’s just you, or you and your mate, think about scaling down, but still having the traditional dishes. Just buy smaller portions. Your waistline and wallet will both thank you. For example, you can now buy half-sized pies or even single slices! You can also buy your favorite turkey parts as well. No need to thaw and roast a whole bird. Just head over to your local butcher or meat counter and pick out a couple of drumsticks if you like dark meat, or a turkey breast if you are fan of white meat. It’s much easier to prepare and more affordable as well.
Don’t feel pressured to shop on Black Friday or Cyber Monday. If those hot deal items are not already on your list, you likely don’t need them. Afraid of FOMO? Don’t worry, between now and the end of the year, many of those same items will be on sale. If you are caught up in the madness, check the model number or description of your item to make sure it is the exact one you have been coveting. Retailers sometimes substitute a lesser item with a lower price as a loss leader to lure you in.
Do spend time with people. Suze Orman famously said, ‘people first, then money, then things’ and this is true. Most of your friends and family don’t need things from you, they need you. Consider spending more time together. Even with your ideologically different cousin or uncle.
Do keep things civil. If you have to be around family and friends that are politically or ideologically opposite of you, maybe institute a no politics rule. We do this and it works great! We actually talk about each other, the ranch, the market, the grape harvest, wine futures and vintages, etc. You name it, there are dozens of things you can cover without raising hackles.
Above all, have a safe, enjoyable Thanksgiving. As an independent Certified Financial Planner™, I can help you plan for the next year and be on top of your goals. Contact me and let’s get started! #talktometuesday #Thanksgiving #Hireaplanner #stressfree #savings