Guest post by Asheritah of One Thing Alone
Your Thanksgiving feast doesn’t have to break the bank to be delicious.
This year, to help us reach our monthly financial goals, I decided to keep our Thanksgiving meal simple. I asked each of our family members which traditional Thanksgiving food is most important to them, and then strategized ways to make everyone (and our budget) happy.
Obviously, I haven’t yet prepared the meal, but here’s what we’ll be having:
- Turkey breast: $3.49
- Peas: $0.89
- Corn: $0.49
- Mac & Cheese: $0.49
- Sweet potatoes: $0.07
- Stuffing: $0.69
- Corn muffins: $0.47
- Pumpkin pie (homemade): $1
- Butter: $0.80
- Eggs: $0.50
- Milk: $0.20
TOTAL: $9.09
In all, the meal will cost us less than $10 for 3 adults and 1 child. I’d say that’s a win!
Here’s how you can do it, too:
1. Simplify the meal.
Ask your family members what’s one item they each really want, and feel free to let go or downsize those foods that are never a big hit anyway.
My husband wanted stuffing. I wanted corn muffins. Our daughter wanted mac & cheese, and my father-in-law wanted something sweet. I felt like we HAD to have turkey, but we’re not really a fan of the big bird, so the little turkey breast tenderloin fit the bill without hitting our wallet.
We also simplified the sides. Since we’re loading up on carbs, I added some veggies to make our meal healthier but opted out of the typical casseroles.
2. Shop sales at discount stores.
I bought most of my ingredients at Aldi, but I also scored cheap produce at a local discount store that offers incredible deals (like two 10-pound bags of sweet potatoes for $1.69).
I also try to shop sales whenever I can, especially if they’re cutting already-low prices. I bought the turkey tenderloin when it was on sale a few weeks ago and stuck it in the freezer for the future. I also got the butter on sale awhile back and keep a stash in the freezer. By buying sales in bulk year-round, I can stock up and save on staple pantry items.
3. Cook what you can from scratch.
Most pumpkin pies cost around $5 in grocery stores. By making it at home, I’ll be saving 80%. I’m using a small pie pumpkin a friend gifted me for fall décor, a $0.65 can of evaporated milk, and a homemade crust that will cost a fraction of what ready-made crusts cost in-store.
Cooking from scratch means I can afford more variety because I’m paying less for raw ingredients.
At the end of the day, it’s not the Thanksgiving meal that matters but rather a thankful heart. Whether you have a table overflowing with the richest foods or a simple meal shared with those you love, the important thing is to come together with gratefulness and express our appreciation for each other.
How to you keep your Thanksgiving celebrations frugal and fun!
Asheritah is a writer, speaker, and blogger at One Thing Alone. She helps overwhelmed women find joy in Jesus through devotionals, videos, and Scripture art. She’s also the author of “Unwrapping the Names of Jesus: An Advent Devotional.”
Do you have a fun and frugal DIY idea to share? I’d love to hear about it! Read the submission guidelines and submit it 
Brian & Joy, my amazing managers — I am so very grateful for all that they pour into my life and for how they are such truth-tellers in my life. Their advice, counsel, and wisdom has transformed me as a person from the inside out.
