$5 Thanksgiving, coming your way

It's Giving ...

The promos are promo-ing, Black Friday’s basically a month long residency, and your inbox looks like a CVS receipt of discount offers. But if there’s a pit of dread in your stomach? You’re not imagining it. While the National Retail Federation predicts holiday spending to top $1 trillion for the first time this year (that’s the equivalent of more than 33 billion Labubus), people aren’t feeling so festive: Consumer sentiment is at a three-and-a-half year low. Shoppers are understandably worried about tariffs (and yes, they will affect both prices and availability). 

All of that makes us wonder if maybe the Grinch wasn’t anti-holiday so much as a guy staring down a sky-high APR. If you’re feeling less merry and bright, and more, “sale prices are still hurting my eyeballs,” here’s how to get your finances on lock before Santa suits up.

Build a budget. Even if you never have before, this may be the year to do so. And cut corners where you can: Dollar store decorations look great; so do ones you find on your local Buy Nothing Facebook group.

Hunt for deals. Black Friday has morphed into an all-month-long shopping extravaganza. And remember: Thrift rhymes with gift — even Martha Stewart approves of second-hand treasures. 

Have the “no gifts” convo now. Your brother’s wife’s mom does not need that $40 candle. If your gift exchanges have gotten out of control, here’s the script to dial it back. 

— Anna “Making My List, Checking it Twice, Then Quietly Letting My Cart Expire” Davies, writer

Read More

• 5 Best Costco Thanksgiving Items To Buy for Less Than $10

• Make These Budget Tweaks Now To Prep for the Holidays

• These Are the Black Friday Tech Sales To Watch

• A Thanksgiving Meal for Under $5 a Head? Target Has It

Procrastination outpacing productivity? It may be time for the viral “anti-start” trick.

You know the friend who somehow gets her entire to-do list done and bakes a batch of cookies? She’s probably “time-blocking.”

When you’re feeling ghosted by every recruiter… this pen-and-paper exercise can help you reframe and feel better after a job loss.

Before you lose sleep over snagging Labubus for stocking stuffers… they may not be the “it” toy when the holidays hit.

This TikTok trend reminds us that life after returning to the office isn’t (always) the worst.

Your future self would like you to put these “best retirement value” countries on your vision board — while reminding you that you’ve still gotta pad your 401(k) to get there.

Beloved recipe developer Alison Roman is back with a new cookbook for her key demo — busy, money-strapped millennials — and we’re already sold on her “ham party” concept.

There’s been chatter about extending home loans to 50 years, an idea gaining attention after President Donald Trump and some housing advisors floated it as a way to make monthly payments more “affordable.” 

Cool. Flexibility is nice. On paper, the math checks out: Stretching a mortgage from 30 to 50 years would lower the average homeowner’s monthly bill by a little over $100 a month — not nothing. But here’s the catch: That extra runway would potentially double how much they pay in interest. 

Here’s the bigger issue… Experts say longer loan times doesn’t solve the real problem: Home prices are high because of low supply, not because lending terms are too short. And given the fact that the average first-time homebuyer is 40 years old, tacking 20 extra years onto a mortgage at that age means you could be saddled with a mortgage bill well into retirement.

The bottom line: Right now, this potential fix is still in talks. But the housing landscape has shifted slightly in buyers’ favor, with lower interest rates and slightly higher inventory. That doesn’t mean you need to shift your timeline, though, because the best time to buy isn’t when the market is right, it’s when you’re ready. 

While the government is back open, and SNAP benefits in some states are being distributed, the shutdown will likely have lingering effects on people experiencing food insecurity. Some food banks saw a whopping 1,800% surge in demand during the shutdown, depleting supplies. If you’re in a position to help:

Donate money. It’s the most efficient way to help food banks restock. Some have partnerships in place where they can get food at wholesale costs. Plus, money can also pay for essential expenses and additional supplies. 

Keep it simple. When donating food, choose items that don’t need extra ingredients — especially anything that requires refrigeration. Top on the list of helpful donations food banks prefer? All-in-one products (like boxed mac and cheese with its own sauce) because they’re easy to distribute and for families to use.

Think beyond food. Paper products, teas, and coffees are frequently requested items. Your local pantry can tell you what’s most needed, which can vary by region.

Give what you would want to eat. This includes treats. Everyone appreciates something that they’re looking forward to digging into. (We love the idea of the “birthday cake kit” as a project to put together with friends or family.)

What’s Less Expensive for Thanksgiving This Year?

Part of being money smart is knowing what’s worth the spend. 

Our commerce team tests it all — so you only see the picks that deserve your time and your budget. And because everyone spends differently, we pick three different price points to help you find what works best for you. 

This week, we’re talking winter boots. Because braving the cold shouldn’t feel like stepping onto an ice-skating rink.

From fall frost to spring slush

  L.L.Bean 8" Lace-Up Boots ($149)

Our editor has been wearing these since high school (over 15 years) and loves how cute and versatile they are: From rainy days to weekend mountain escapes, they can put in miles and look great doing so. They also come in a shearling-lined version.

For everyday errands and snow shoveling

Sorel Joan FRWD Chelsea Boot ($170)

If you want a boot that won’t bail when the weather gets messy, these Sorels deliver. They’re fully waterproof and actually cute — so yes, a solid investment. The chunky tread keeps you from doing any unplanned ice slips, and they’ve got room for thick socks when temps dip.

For serious winter weather 

UGG® Adirondack XXV Boot ($249.95+)

Our editor basically lives with cold feet, but says she’s never felt even a hint of cold or wet in these — even trudging through slushy NYC streets. They’re made with waterproofed leather and suede, with a cozy Ugg lining, insulated to handle temps down to -32°C.

Trending products and brands our shopping team has been loving recently.

In the market for car insurance that's actually affordable? Answer a few questions with Money's car insurance tool and find coverage that's within your budget.

Early Black Friday deals have already begun. Start by taking up to 40% off beauty deals at Ulta, including a prep spray that'll give you major volume when you blow dry.

Next up on the Black Friday deal list: a pair of holiday pajama pants for 50% off at Old Navy.