This year, the National Retail Federation predicts Halloween will generate $8.4 billion (with a b) dollars in sales. Up 22% from last year, each American will scare up close to $83 per person for everything from candy to decor to costumes to greeting cards. That’s downright terrifying. Don’t get spooked. Check out these 5 Ways You Can Save More Money This Halloween.
Host a Costume Swap
Someone else is dying to where the costume your kid wore last Halloween. There’s still plenty of time to host a party to swap your costumes. Everyone brings at least one costume. Everyone leaves with a costume. It’s simple and smart.
Opt for PJs Over a Costume
There are so many adorable pajama sets that can easily double as your child’s costume (or yours). Not only do you get a great outfit for October 31st, but you can wear those badboys all year long. Check out this great Darth Vader PJ set, sizes 2-10. Or rock a Wonder Woman One Piece set. Be Pikachu, Spiderman. a Teddy Bear, or a Unicorn. P.S. You’ll have the coziest costume on the block that lasts for way longer than one night.
Buy Your Pumpkin at the Grocery Store
Going to the pumpkin patch is definitely a treat for the entire family. But wait to buy your pumpkin at the grocery store. This week, our ALDI is featuring HUGE pumpkins, grown right in Indiana for only $1.99. No matter where you shop, you can buy a pumpkin for close to half of what you pay at a patch or roadside stand. You can still go to your favorite fall destination and experience the joys of autumn, just wait to snag that pumpkin later.
Don’t Buy a Carving Kit
Want to carve the coolest jack-o-lateen on the block? Skip the kits in the seasonal aisle. The Internet i full of FREE printable pumpkin stencils. I’ve rounded up hundreds for you including Over 100 FREE Disney Pumpkin Stencils, Sports Team and Video Game Pumpkin Carving Stencils, Movie and Celebrity FREE Pumpkin Carving Patterns, and 100s of Free Pumpkin Carving Patterns.
Creative Candy Alternatives
Listen, you don’t have to be the un-fun family on your block who passes out toothbrushes to sad trick-or-treaters. But you may want to consider non-candy options to treat any little goblins who come to your front door. Stickers, glow bracelets, small toys, and novelty items not only provide alternatives for kids with food allergies, but if you have leftovers, you can save them for years to come. In some cases, you might be able to use these items for other holidays, birthdays, or celebrations. Plus, you don’t end up eating half the candy which is better for your wallet and your waist.
Be smart this Halloween. Don’t get caught up in the flash and excitement. Think about longterm use, budget your dollars well, and have fun!
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 The Debt Free Devotional
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