Ready for an Incredible Super Bowl Party?
Top Ten Money-Saving Tips


According to a recent survey done by the Retail Advertising and Marketing Association, 41% of those who watch the big game this Sunday are either planning to throw their own party or attend a party. This is up from last year's numbers. One number that is down? The amount that viewers are planning to spend at their party. Harris Interactive says that half of those hosting a party plan to spend $50 or less. Last year, half said they would try to keep their budgets under $100.

If you want to throw a fun, stress-free Super Bowl Party with great food and great fun, I've gathered my top ten tips to make the experience memorable while staying within your budget.

1. Avoid babysitters - which can add up when multiplied across many families. Instead, create an area just for kids in another part of the house which include football themed activities, Wii games, fun foods for kids, etc... Perhaps you could hire one teenager as a "child supervisor" rather than the multiple babysitters. With three kids of our own, creative babysitting solutions are always a welcome perk to a get together with friends.

2. Dollar stores for decorations - or get the kids involved in football themed crafts ahead of time. If you have any green-colored Christmas decorations (tablecloth, napkins, etc...), you might be able to work them in. (Green is a common football-themed color). This will also work if you're pulling for the Packers, by the way. Avoid the party stores and super bowl themed decorations at larger retailers. Although decorations add a nice touch, I find it amazing how much money you can spend on paper and plastic if you pick them up while at the party, grocery or department store.

3. Do you have any other party supplies left from Christmas? I've been picking up clearance items throughout January. Some are general party-related products (or small gifts for groups of kids) and can make an early entry this year at your bowl game gathering.

4. There are a ridiculous number of coupons available for party foods. Use them!! If you like brands like Ortega, ChiChi's, Eckrich, Kraft, and other snack-related product lines, you'll be like a kid in a candy store this week - particularly if you like all your candy at 60%-80% off. There are over 400 different items in our SavingsAngel list that you can get for over 50% off - if you've got the right coupons. Check out our deals below for some examples. The past few Sunday editions of the Grand Rapids Press have held a treasure trove of coupons for smart shoppers. Coupons are not just for families who are barely "scraping by." They are for anyone who would rather pocket an extra $400 or more each month. Technology has made it a whole lot easier to find the matches of great coupons with great sales.

5. Take advantage of great snack food deals and stock up for the future. The checker thought that my 8 bags of Tostito chips was a bit excessive - but my family and I will eat them over the next several months - including at any get-togethers with friends. Your freezer and pantry should include any foods you buy on a regular basis - even if that means snack foods. Just because you have it in your home doesn't mean it needs to be eaten with any greater frequency. Our goal is to eliminate impulse and need-based shopping. I will admit, this principle is easier said than done for me plus guacamole. (It's my one true vice).

6. Please re-read and take advantage of numbers 4 and 5. I really want to emphasize the great opportunities there are this week for people who follow my advice regularly. The past several weeks, I've been loading up on great party treats in the freezer. This week is probably the most exciting of all. As a result of these deals, we're always ready to throw a party - even at a moment's notice.

7. Stick to soda for the drink options and ask your guests to bring anything special they'd want to drink themselves. Trying to buy for every taste can get very pricey. I recommend buying several varieties of 2-liters and get them in ice nice and early. I never pay more than a dollar for any brand name 2-liter of soda. If your store wants to charge you $1.69 for a 2-liter of pop, look elsewhere! Cans and bottles are generally never as good a deal as 2-liters.

8. Paper or plastic plates and plastic utensils can be so much easier to deal with - but washing plates can save you a bit of money. There's also a bit less environmental impact from washing your guests' dishes - rather than loading up the trash cans. That being said, napkins plastic utensils, and party plates are among the deals I regularly get for 60%-70% when I successfully time a coupon with a sale. Walgreens seems to be the location I end up getting the best deals. Regardless of your decision, I hope you don't pay full price for these products this week unless.

9. Go with pizza. All the major chains are planning budget-friendly specials on Sunday. Papa John's has announced that if the Super Bowl goes into overtime they will give a free pizza to anyone who previously enrolled in their rewards program online: http://www.papajohns.com/rewards/.

10. Finally, If you are looking to buy a new high-definition television, before and after the Super Bowl are really good opportunities to get a great deal. This is especially true for open-box purchases next week.

This information is courtesy of our SavingsAngel Josh!

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