10 ways to not spend your entire paycheck on national holidays

If there is something that characterizes Mexicans, it is the celebration. Mexicans are known worldwide for the great parties we throw, and when it comes to patriotic festivities, everything is amplified.Tequila, pambazos, pozole, mariachis, everything sounds amazing until we have to pay for it, right? In this type of environment, it's very easy to get carried away and spend the entire paycheck just to keep the party going.What do Mexicans spend their money on? Most of the budget goes to food, then to alcoholic beverages, and in third place, to decorations.But so you don't have to suffer for the rest of the month, here are some tips to celebrate Mexico's Independence in a responsible way:Check your finances and plan your celebration according to your budget. The best thing you can do is not get carried away by the euphoria of the parties and plan a celebration according to your budget. Remember that a small celebration is better than regretting it later.Stick to your budget. Once you have made a budget, stick to it. It's normal to feel excited, but once you have made your plans, it's necessary to respect what has been determined.Shop in advance. It is normal for stores to raise prices during these times, so if you are going to buy food, drinks, or decorations, it's better to purchase them early and avoid last-minute shopping.Shop at markets. If you want to save money and support local commerce, markets are the way to go. Especially during this time of patriotic festivities, you can find high-quality products at the best prices.Don't carry extra money. This point goes hand in hand with sticking to your budget, and it's a way to limit yourself to spending only what you had planned.Avoid unnecessary expenses. Before spending part of your budget on decorations and props for the party, think about whether you really need it; you might be able to save money in that aspect.Organize a group fund. The best thing you can do during patriotic festivities is to share the expenses with your family and friends, whether you go to a restaurant or bar and split the bill, or if it's a celebration at home, everyone can bring a dish. Besides enjoying each other's company, everyone will benefit and save money.Don’t use credit cards. Don't spend what you don't have. It's important to know that credit cards should be used responsibly. Don't get carried away, and it's better to use cash for greater control over spending.Choose home celebrations. As mentioned earlier, if you opt for a party at home, the expenses will be much lower than in a public place, plus you can organize with your friends, family, or neighbors so that everyone takes care of something.Avoid small expenses. If you have already made a significant expense during the celebration in the first half of the month, it's better to manage the rest of the month wisely. Try to prepare your meals at home, don't spend on coffee, and wake up early so you don't have to spend on taxis or private car services.Now that you know these tips, all that’s left is to enjoy responsibly and ¡Viva México!We recommend these recipes for the Mexican night:Chicken TingaWhite PozoleGelatin Cups with Cream