Tips like these helped us pay off $127K in debt. You can read our story in Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After.
Trick-or-Treat! These three words can easily strike horror into even the most stalwart heart. Before you know it, your black-as-night budget drips blood red. I know you. You are so generous and so enamored with Halloween festivities. You want to satisfy the sweet tooth of each and every cute little beggar that comes to your door dressed as their favorite character. But the scary truth is that no one can afford to buy out the candy aisle at their local big box retailer. Or at least they shouldn’t without being frightened of both their bank statement and the United States’ obesity epidemic. How do you make a contribution to candy bags on October 31st without needing to skip your contribution to your 401k? Here are some of my favorite tips to help you save money on Halloween and keep your checking account from becoming spooky on November 1st.
Skip the Candy
No you don’t have to be a complete Grinch and hide in the recesses of your house with all of the lights out. Instead, consider giving non-perishable items like toys or stickers. Shop online at places like Oriental Trading or Indiana owned Kipp Toys. You can buy all sorts of seasonal items, toys, bracelets, and more in bulk numbers. Personally, I would stick with non-Halloweeny items so that if you have leftovers, you can use them throughout the year in birthday gifts or to celebrate fun moments with the kids in your life. Before you shop at either of these places though, do a quick online search with the name of the store and the word coupon to save money.
Drive Thru Treats
Many restaurants offer special Trick-or-Treating booklets, often with several free item coupons priced at just a dollar for the entire book. Most notably, a number of McDonald’s & Wendy’s locations offer this style of promotion. Divide the booklets out to give each of your little goblins one coupon good for a free item. Do note, not all restaurants within a chain offer these booklets. So, it is a good idea to call ahead to both guarantee your location is participating and has coupon booklets on hand.
Go Generic
No, there’s no need to purchase Smickers Bars or Beeses Pieces. However, you might be able to save a dollar or two by buying the candy that is a little less festive. Orange and black wrapping can drive up the price of a sweet. So go to the regular candy aisle to compare prices. Plus, the less ornate candy tastes just as sugary and will be festive no matter what month you indulge. If you do purchase the holiday branded candy, be sure to be on the prowl for coupons, both online and in your paper, before you buy. You can often pair the coupons with great sales to maximize your savings. If you are going to purchase any candy, be sure to prowl the coupons. often there are both manufacturer and store coupons that can be stacked together to amplify your savings!
Cash in Your Candy
Let’s face it, if you take your kids trick-or-treating, you often end up with way more temptation than necessary due to the bulging bag of booty that you can barely drag down the driveway. Check and see if your local dentist hosts a “buy back” program where kids can cash in their candy for toys or gift cards. In years past, the restaurant Noodles and Company has also exchanged candy for a free entree. Best of all, the candy is not merely trashed. It is donated to At a bare minimum, divide the candy and freeze half of it to nosh on later in the year. You’ll enjoy fewer confectionary fits and sugar buzzes in your house, plus your pants will still fit come Thanksgiving.
You can certainly celebrate every holiday with a generous spirit; however, you must stick with a budget to ensure longterm generosity in your life. If you overextend yourself on something as simple as candy, you will be unable to give when a greater need arises. Use some of the Royal Suggestions above to reign in your spirit and keep the Happy in your Halloween and your budget.
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out Inspiration to Pay Off Debt: 30 Days of Encouragement from the Queen of Free
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal or maybe even something for free, you also help our family pay off our mortgage early. And for that, we royally thank you!
I have an additional idea to add to your list. My kiddos attended a parade at one of the numerous area fall festivities a couple of years ago. They had SOOOO much candy that I had them keep only their favorites and we gave the rest away to trick-or-treaters! They still had all of the fun of collecting goodies at the parade, I spent zero money that year on candy, and they also learned a little about sharing their ‘wealth’ with other kiddos. 🙂
I love that idea! 🙂