Nov 16, 2009 6:39 pm US/Eastern
MoneySaver: Finding Thanksgiving Dinner Bargains
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
As Americans get ready for the great gorge known as Thanksgiving, many have to consider the cost in these trying economic times.
So how do you find the best deals?
Cruise the aisles of your supermarket and you'll find lots of sales just in time for Thanksgiving, from frozen turkeys and potatoes, to cranberries to stuffing, and every veggie in the produce section. But not everything is a true deal.
"It's really easy to spend a lot if you're not paying attention," Kelli Grant, of smartmoney.com, says.
Grant says it pays to research, and to hit the stores as early as possible.
"Pathmark is offering free turkey, up to 20 pounds, if you spend $300," Grant says.
Due to cheaper fuel prices, the average cost for the homage to the Pilgrims is expected to be about $41, down a few dollars from last year.
It's easy to find prices all over the map.
Pie shells can be found at $2 each, or an entire pie for the same price. Some sellers offer Coke 12 packs for $2.75, while others have the same 12 packs on sale – for $3.33.
What about the whole dinner of turkey, stuffing, potatoes, gravy, rolls and cranberries? That can easily cost you $100 or more, but some markets offer the holiday extravaganza at $60, $50, even the rock bottom price of $20 at Wal-Mart.
When you're shopping for the whole gang, it pays to know your prices, and definitely peruse the circulars.
Apples could be found for $1.20 a pound, or double that; potatoes for $0.50 a pound, or $1 per pound if you buy them loose. The bottom line: you have to buy 10 pounds.
So what are some other strategies? Some NY shoppers have their own tips to save for the holidays.
"You can get the coupons, clip the coupons, watch the bargains," shopper Laverne Mead says.
"Shopping for my meat a month or so beforehand lets me save money," Crown Heights resident Tori Bennett says.
It may also be a good idea to grab a friend to hit the warehouse clubs and split meal fixings.
"You can easily save 30 percent or more, and they have great deals on fresh meats, so there's your turkey right there," Grant says.
Now, if you there were an easy way to save on calories. Happy Thanksgiving!
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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