Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season, which by many, starts with a delicious dinner followed by a day of shopping. Unfortunately, an expensive Thanksgiving weekend means less money left over for the weeks ahead. Like most expenses, there are quite a few ways to keep costs down, and as usual, the most important one is to plan ahead.

“When thinking about holiday spending, most people typically fast-forward to December’s big budget busting holidays,” said Kim McGrigg, MMI’s personal finance blogger. “However, it pays to think thrifty all season long—starting with Thanksgiving. While a turkey alone might not tip your financial scale, the cost of entertaining and holiday travel can really add up.”

To help trim the fat from your Thanksgiving weekend budget, Money Management International (MMI), the nation’s largest nonprofit full service credit and debt counseling organization, offers a complete guide dedicated to a thrifty Thanksgiving. This free eBook includes a lot of ideas to help you trim the fat from your Thanksgiving budget. In addition to ideas on how to stretch your dinner and budget, Thrifty Thanksgiving covers:

• Step-by-step instructions for decorating on a dime
• Five ways to keep tradition and cost down
• Tips for staying in the black on Black Friday
• How to make the most of leftovers
• Ways to incorporate “thanks” into your Thanksgiving

Thrifty Thanksgiving also offers a holiday checklist to help you organize your plans. After all, a little planning can help you enjoy a tasteful and thrifty Thanksgiving. The Thrifty Thanksgiving eBook can be downloaded for free by visiting thanksgiving.moneymanagement.org.

About Money Management International

Money Management International (MMI) is a nonprofit, full-service credit-counseling agency, providing confidential financial guidance, financial education, counseling and debt management assistance to consumers since 1958. MMI helps consumers trim their expenses, develop a spending plan and repay debts.

Counseling is available by appointment in branch offices and 24/7 by telephone and Internet. Services are available in English or Spanish.

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