By Annmarie Akpan
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
As Thanksgiving approaches, many families and college students face the challenge of managing their finances while ensuring a memorable holiday experience. Here are how some students plan to gain insight into their strategies for navigating Thanksgiving spending.
Britney Fraser, a student at Towson University, shared her unique approach to Thanksgiving spending this year with her parents. “We’re doing things differently to save time,” Fraser said. “We found a nice restaurant that serves Thanksgiving food on the day itself. I don’t pay attention to the cost difference between preparing the food ourselves versus going to a restaurant, but we wanted to try something new and spend quality time together.”
Ransford Moses, a Silver Spring, Maryland resident, explained how he manages his finances during Thanksgiving. “My dad, who is a cook, brings food from work, so we don’t have to spend much on groceries,” Moses said. “We also don’t travel anywhere, which helps us save even more money.”
Kameron Saldivia, a junior at Towson University, offered some advice for college students on managing their finances during the Thanksgiving season. “My tip would be to write down what you plan to spend on and see how it affects your bank account,” Saldivia advised. “With Christmas and Black Friday around the corner, it’s important to keep your spending to less than 50% of your paycheck to ensure you’re gaining money instead of losing it.”
Saldivia also suggested that college institutions could support students during this time by providing a food drive. “If expenses are too much for students, institutions could organize a food drive where eligible students can take home Thanksgiving meals or items,” Saldivia proposed. “This would help alleviate some financial burden and ensure every student can enjoy the holiday.”
As families and college students navigate Thanksgiving this year, the perspectives shared by these students offer valuable insights into managing spending and traveling. Whether it’s trying new approaches to dining, utilizing resources available within the family, or providing support through institutional initiatives, there are various strategies to ensure a memorable Thanksgiving without breaking the bank.