If the cooler temperatures have you thinking about the holiday celebrations that will take place in the next few months, you may be worried about overspending. However, celebrating the holidays doesn’t have to put a dent in your budget. Deidre Davis, chief marketing officer for Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU), recently spoke about how you can save some green this holiday season.
How do you host a holiday feast to remember on a budget?
“There are many easy steps you can take to get everything you need without breaking your budget. First, plan early. Set your menu as soon as possible to get an early start on saving. Not only will you catch early specials at the grocery store, you will also avoid the last-minute scramble that often means paying more.
“Second, use coupons. When you plan early, you can take advantage of coupons and special offers. Stores are vying for your business, and often offer great deals. Third, keep it simple.
By using recipes calling for items you already have, you can save money and make it easier to prepare your dishes. For example, instead of a 10-ingredient salad, make a fresh salad with a simple dressing of minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and olive oil – all things you likely already have – and savor the full flavor!
“And, finally, bulk up on your next visit to the warehouse stores to stock up on high-quality ingredients such as organic greens, olive oil, milk, and butter in bulk. Also look for bulk-quantities of meat and dairy you may use more of during the holidays.”
What about the actual meal – what are some ways to reduce those costs?
“You can plan a fabulous menu including your guests’ favorites with some thoughtful planning. One idea is to incorporate some great fall vegetables into your meals. They will add to your overall dinner experience and could start a new tradition of saving money. Consider purchasing a small turkey and adding more seasonal veggies to your menu. Speaking of turkey, even if you want to include a meat dish as part of your holiday meal tradition, consider more economical alternatives such as ham, turkey breast or roasted chicken. Especially for smaller gatherings, using one of these options could reduce the cost of what you would pay for a larger turkey.
“Another idea is to ask your guests to bring a side dish or dessert representing their own family traditions. This can help them feel more a part of the celebration. A bounty of your guests’ favorite recipes brings extra warmth to the table. Your guests could also bring the beverages. Suggest a festive punch, or hot spiced cider as possibilities.
“Don’t forget about leftovers! Think about the leftovers (and savings) you will enjoy as you stretch your holiday dinner beyond the big meal. Offer to share leftovers with your guests, too.”
How can MSUFCU help with your holidays?
“While this time of year is a time to look forward to for many of us, the holidays can put extra strain on your budget. Many financial institutions offer savings options to help you put a little extra away for these occasions. At MSU Federal Credit Union, we have many savings options where members can set up automatic withdrawals from their checking accounts and then access the funds at the time when they need them.”