Halloween is upon us and that can be spooky not just for the kids but your checkbook, too. The National Retail Federation is predicting that the average person will spend $77.35 on Halloween this year (double or triple that number if you live in a household with more than you), with a total for the U.S. creeping over $11 billion ($350 million alone on pet festive attire). From the costumes and the candy to the decorations and the holiday treats, it’s so easy to go overboard. But there are definitely ways to save, too. Here are some of my best Halloween money saving tips!
Candy
The aisles are filled with our favorite sugary treats. But there are definitely some strategies to save when it comes to purchasing Halloween Candy. You should never ever buy a bag without a coupon in your hand. So before you leave home, do a little research and make sure that you know your store’s best deals. I use the app Favado to track my favorite coupons and bargains. Also keep in mind that candy is oh-so-sweet and tasty, no matter the color of the wrapper. Sometimes, you can get a better deal if you skip the seasonal version. Don’t worry, I’m not suggesting you buy Schmeese’s Peanut butter Cups. Instead, see if you can get a better price per ounce or the plain wrapper version of the same candy.
Pumpkins
Everyone LOVES carving pumpkins. It’s simply a holiday classic. However, I cringe every time I see the patterns you can purchase in stores. The internet is ripe with great FREE printable pumpkin carving stencils. From Frozen to Dr. Who, you can find speciality patterns galore. I’ve rounded up over 100 Disney options and 100 Movie and Celebrity Options alone. You can choose your favorite sports teams or video game characters or you can go the traditional route and carve a scary face. When purchasing your pumpkin, go with the grocery store over the pumpkin patch. It’s been a great year for pumpkins and most big box retailers are offering them at some of the lowest prices I’ve ever seen.
Freebies
There’s nothing like a holiday to get retailers and restaurants to entice us with a good freebie. Many of the freebies are still forthcoming but right now, it looks like IHOP will once again be offering its Scary Face Pumpkin on Halloween. Bob Evan’s is offering FREE kids meals on Tuesdays after 4 PM in October with each adult entree purchase. Plus, you can buy a special coupon booklet at the register for $1 which includes 7 FREE Kids Meal Coupons. Many Simon Malls are hosting FREE Halloween events (Carmel Clay Terrace, Greenwood Park Mall, Hamilton Town Center). Joann Fabrics is having free Make It and Take It events on October 25th. There is so much great fun to be had while spending very little. Plus, don’t forget that in the past dentists’ offices and Noodles and Company have offered “Candy Buy Back” programs where in the days following Halloween, you have the opportunity to cash in candy for freebies and kids’ meals. With any free promotion, it’s a wise idea to call ahead to ensure that your location is participating.
Costumes
Before it gets too close to the actual date, now is your best opportunity to dig through the dress up clothes and come up with creative costume ideas. Whether you use a big card box to become a gift or a robot or you hit Goodwill to pick up something tacky and hilarious, you don’t have to pay full sticker price for your get up. Old bridesmaid dresses can become Zombie prom queens. Sports uniforms can be converted into costumes. Get creative and begin hatching a plan now. Hit Pinterest or simply search for plenty of ideas.
Don’t strike fear into the heart of your checkbook. Instead, be intentional with your hard earned cash and chase away that high expenditure total with your money saving chain saw, ensuring your financial dreams don’t become nightmares on Elm Street.
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