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West Texans, Watch Your Wallets This Holiday Season

As a Texan with five daughters and three sons, I know firsthand how fast our cash can disappear, especially when the holidays roll around. Between Halloween decorations, Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas gifts, and “just one more” dinner out, we Big Country folks love to spend. Some splurges feel worth it, others just drain the pocketbook.

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Here’s my new list (shaken up and reordered) of the top ways we West Texans blow our budgets, plus some ideas to keep more money for vacations, emergencies, or that next big purchase.

1. Shiny New Trucks & Fancy Rides

West Texas roads are full of half-ton pickups and SUVs with all the bells and whistles. But prices have gone sky-high.

A base model truck that cost about $25,000 in the ’80s now starts at $60,000+.
Money-Saving Tip: Consider a late-model used truck, or shop online tools like TrueCar or Capital One Auto Navigator before walking into a dealership. My advice I give my kids is, "Know what you want and what you can afford.

2. Meat, Barbecue & Tex-Mex Feasts

Brisket, fajitas, queso, enchiladas, if it’s smoked or smothered in salsa, we’re there. But dining out adds up fast:

• Brisket: $17-$25/lb.
• Steaks: $25-$75 a plate.
• Fish, shrimp, & Crabs: $25-$80

Money-Saving Tip: Buy meat in bulk and fire up the backyard smoker. Invite friends and you’ve got a feast for half the price.

3. Sky-High Utility Bills

• Between triple-digit summers and chilly winter fronts, our power bills swing big. Air conditioning is king here in West Texas.
• Money-Saving Tip: Seal up drafty doors and windows, install a smart thermostat, and check if your power company offers off-peak discounts.

4. Sports Fever - Tickets, Gear & Road Trips

• We love our Friday night lights, college rivalries, and pro sports. But… Game tickets, parking, gas, and hotel stays pile up. So, plan ahead.
• Jerseys can cost more than a nice pair of boots.
• Money-Saving Tip: Tailgate or watch at home with friends, and look for outlet or clearance gear instead of full-price merch.

5. Impulse Buys & Online Splurges

• Amazon Prime deals, new boots, purses, gadgets, pet gear, we click “Buy Now” before we think twice.
• Money-Saving Tip: Use price-tracking sites (like CapitalOneShopping.com) and wait 24 hours before checking out. You’ll cut down on regret buys.

6. Bonus Local Add-Ons: Hunting, Fishing & Outdoor Gear

• Around here, many of us drop big money on rifles, scopes, rods, and tackle, or that new ATV for deer season.
• Money-Saving Tip: Look for used gear swaps, off-season sales, or community outdoor trade events.

Final Thoughts, From One “Tightwad” to Another

Donna (my sweet wife) calls me a “tightwad,” and maybe she’s right, but I’d rather pinch a penny now and spend it later on a family vacation or a fishing trip that makes memories.

This holiday season, let’s spend smart and keep our wallets from overheating faster than a West Texas summer.

Read More: Why Is Alcohol More Dangerous During the Holidays in Texas?