| The holidays are around the corner, and that means | | | | cinnamon, parsley and basil, and lemon juice. |
| big meals. Food is one of the most notorious | | | | Consider Substitutions |
| expenses heading into the holidays, and many find | | | | Once you’ve assembled your meal plan, take a |
| themselves frustrated with having to cut corners to | | | | moment to consider if any of the key ingredients can |
| make family dinners fruitful without breaking the | | | | be substituted for something less expensive, or |
| bank. But with a little strategy and an open mind, | | | | something more readily available and in-season. Try |
| it’s easy to make a delicious family meal for the | | | | buying a head of lettuce instead of pre-cut bags. |
| holidays that won’t cause excess stress—or | | | | Substitute scallions for chives, or yogurt for sour |
| excess spending. | | | | cream. Carve your own meat instead of buying |
| In this article, we’ll address key ideas to | | | | spiral-cut or pre-carved. Extra charges abound for |
| budget-savvy holiday meal success. With these tips in | | | | these extra conveniences. |
| mind, you’ll be ready to dig in and start creating | | | | Check for Sales |
| flavorful holiday dishes. Really enjoy this holiday | | | | Around the holidays, groceries and surplus stores will |
| season by taking the plunge into creative meal ideas | | | | generally run specials on common items used in |
| and easing your financial worries. | | | | seasonal meals. Taking advantage of these specials |
| Consider Your Guests | | | | can add up to big savings. Once you’ve |
| How many people you’ll need to feed plays a | | | | determined what you’ll be preparing, check |
| large role in deciding how much money to spend. | | | | multiple grocers to see if making a couple of extra |
| Funds can be spent more liberally for a family of | | | | trips can net your meal extra savings. For example, |
| three than for a party of ten. If possible, try and | | | | purchase your meat and half of your ingredients on |
| organize a guest list well ahead of the meal date. The | | | | special at one location, and move to another location |
| more mouths you have to feed, the more quickly | | | | for the other half to take advantage of a weekend |
| you can eliminate more costly items or buy food in | | | | sale. |
| bulk, such as beef and more expensive meats. | | | | A little extra preparation goes a long way to saving |
| Evaluate Your Pantry | | | | money on a holiday meal, and your dishes will be |
| Many expenses are accumulated with small items. | | | | every bit as delicious as if you’d splurged for all |
| Seasonings, sauces and spices, like garlic, can take a | | | | the trimmings. Interested in more holiday tips? Check |
| chunk out of your spending money. With your guests | | | | ‘n Go, a leader in the payday loan lending |
| in mind, check around your kitchen. Make a list of | | | | industry, has hundreds of seasonal tips and |
| applicable items you already have. Common examples | | | | suggestions in its planning section on their new |
| are eggs, olive oil, onions, garlic, dry spices like | | | | website. |