Thanksgiving is fast approaching and many have high expectations for food, family, and fun. Being low-income puts stress on many people because they don't feel they can live up to expectations.

You don't have to let a low income ruin your holiday. There are ways to have a great Thanksgiving and keep to an affordable budget. Learn tips for cost-effective meal planning to travel budgeting, plus explore ways to enjoy the holiday without financial stress. Learn how to trim expenses on food, streamline your menu, and coordinate potluck-style gatherings. For travel costs use helpful apps and AAA tools while safeguarding your bill payment funds. Also, learn how title loans from Fast Auto Loans, Inc. can assist you in a financial crunch. Below are some ways to create a budget and cut costs.

Budgeting Thanksgiving

Budgeting food for Thanksgiving can be tricky because you want all the traditional items. However, you will find there are tons of food left over so getting the biggest turkey and a multitude of side dishes is a waste of both food and money.

Smaller 10-pound turkeys are more than enough for around six people and some stores have last-minute sales where you can pick one up for under $10. It is also cheaper to get two smaller turkeys than it is to get one big one, which can cost up to $30. Also, go for off-brand turkeys rather than the name brand to save money.

Reduce your sides to cut costs. All you need for a traditional Thanksgiving meal is turkey, stuffing or dressing, mashed potatoes, and a vegetable. Fresh vegetables are going to be cheaper than going the canned bean route. Plus, they look prettier.

Cut back on the number of desserts too. Make two to offer a choice rather than five. Ask family or friends to bring a dish. Just be sure to coordinate what everyone is bringing so you have variety.

Traveling Costs

Some good gas apps will repay you some of what you spend on gas. They're free to download. AAA has some budgeting tools for travel that will help save on gas, hotels, and food. The key to budgeting on a low income is not to dig into your money used to pay bills.

What If I Need Some Short-Term Cash?

The holidays can soak up your discretionary money, leaving none for unexpected emergencies. There are ways to finance these surprise expenses in Arizona with one of those being alternative funding.

Fast Auto Loans, Inc. offers two types: title loans and registration loans. These loans can be advantageous to those who have problems getting loans from traditional financial institutions.

You can still come in even if you have poor credit because we welcome all types of credit. Do keep in mind that we will check your credit when it comes to registration loans. However, that doesn't mean we will automatically deny you if you have poor credit.

The Difference

The primary difference between a title loan and a registration loan is ownership of the car. A title loan is an option for those who own the car completely and have a clean title with no judgments or claims on it.

A registration loan can work for those who bought the car but are still making payments to the car. Arizona is the only state that offers these types of loans. With these loans, the amount you can borrow is based on your income and what you can repay.

The Details

At Fast Auto Loans, Inc., the range you can borrow in a title loan is between $300 and $15,000. For registration loans, however, we offer a $900 maximum. Those seeking a title loan will need a driver's license or state-issued identification, the car available for an inspection, and a lien-free title to the vehicle.

A registration loan has slightly different requirements. It requires a valid Arizona driver's license or photo ID, a valid Social Security number, an Arizona Motor Vehicle registration in your name, and an active checking account with your name listed on the account.

The process for both starts the same. Those wanting more information can fill out the online inquiry form. Once you submit it, a loan representative from the store nearest you will call to answer your questions and see which option may be best for you.

Those looking at title loans can schedule an appointment to meet with a loan representative at a store or a location most convenient to you. Just be sure to bring all the required items to the meeting because the loan representative will need to validate them and do a vehicle inspection.

People more interested in a registration loan can make an appointment at a store close to them. A loan representative will verify all the required documents and guide you through the rest of the process.

Either way, you can complete the process with the loan representative and get a decision in as little as 30 minutes! Those approved can have access to money either the same day or the next business day.

Submit The Form To See If You Qualify

Your Thanksgiving doesn't have to be stressful simply because you have a low income. Filling out and submitting the form can help you fund emergencies while budgeting your holiday with the money you have. Fast Auto Loans, Inc. can help when you are in a financial crunch. Fill out and submit the form today to see how much money you can get!

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.