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With just four days remaining until Thanksgiving, Americans across the nation are eagerly making their preparations. For many people, there is still much to do and get ready for.

Some are flying or driving out to spend the special holiday with their loved ones. Others are making arrangements at home for arriving guests and preparing various dishes to make it on the table this Thursday.

Much of this work involves shopping for foods, such as turkey, and ingredients to make dishes like dressing, pies, candied yams, etc. Unfortunately, Thanksgiving shoppers this year are running into one main problem as they arrive at grocery stores.

Inflation shows no mercy

Across the country, ongoing inflation is showing zero signs of relenting. Now, as folks go shopping to make Thanksgiving dinners, higher prices are staring back at them. To make matters worse, wages for the average American aren't keeping up with inflation at all.

For people who are truly financially strapped, they're having to turn to food banks as alternatives for traditional Thanksgiving meals. However, families that are cognizant of prices, yet not too hard up for cash, are having to readjust how they shop.

In some cases, this means purchasing fresh cranberries, instead of cranberries in cans. Swapping out russet potatoes for sweet potatoes and asking guests coming over for Thanksgiving to bring dishes of their own are proving to be necessary alternatives, too.

Interestingly enough, turkey prices have not seen major upticks in costs. However, Americans who purchase turkeys sooner rather than later can still potentially save money.

A bellwether for the greater holiday season?

Everyone should prepare for inflation and higher costs to persist after Thanksgiving and during the Christmas holiday.

Foods commonly purchased for Christmas dinners will likely be on the more expensive side. The same can also be said for Christmas trees, ornaments, stockings, and different presents.

However, some great ways to save money despite inflation and costlier prices include the following:

• Using coupons
• Comparing prices at different stores
• Purchasing goods during off seasons (when possible)
• Investing in gift cards rather than expensive presents
• Taking advantage of Black Friday sales