As Fall and Halloween approaches, many of us begin to feel excitement for all that this spooky season has to offer. From pumpkin-flavored drinks and creepy decorations to delicious treats, there is much to enjoy about this time of year. However, surveys have found that Canadians are overspending on Halloween each year. Whether you’re a fan of Halloween or not, it’s essential to know how much money we’re spending on this holiday and how to save.
Halloween is an excellent opportunity to spend time with family and friends and to enjoy special occasion spending. However, overspending on Halloween can be a budget-buster. To avoid this, here are some tips for slashing costs this year.
Get Creative With Your Halloween Costume
Halloween is a time for fun, creativity, and spending time with loved ones. It’s also a time when many of us spend money on costumes. According to some reports, the average Canadian spends about $35 on their outfit. That may not seem like a lot, but when you factor in the cost of costumes for the whole family, it can add up quickly.
One way to save money on Halloween costumes is to think outside the box. Start with items you might already have at home. You may be able to put together a great outfit by piecing together things from your closet or borrowing from friends and family members. Even old Halloween costumes can be repurposed into something new and unique. With creativity, you can create a one-of-a-kind costume without spending a lot of money.
Have A Costume Swap
Thinking about going all out for Halloween this year, but worried about the cost? Never fear! There are plenty of ways to put together a great costume without breaking the bank. One option is to hold a costume swap with your friends, family, and fellow Halloween lovers.
Not only is it a fun and sustainable way to share, reuse, and repurpose previously worn costumes, but you could also come away with a new (to you) costume that didn’t cost a penny. Another possibility is to browse second-hand or used clothing stores for creative inspiration. They can be a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind, and usually inexpensive, clothing, accessories, and décor. Make sure you shop with a list and only buy what you need.
Host A Halloween Potluck Party
What better way to get into the Halloween spirit than attending a spooky party? You can enjoy creepy snacks and frightening décor while mingling with other guests. To save on costs, try hosting a potluck where everyone brings a dish. For drinks, ask people to BYOB. You can also find some great recipes for homemade Halloween treats online. And, of course, don’t forget the candy!
Buy Candy Only For The Trick Or Treaters
Candy is a vital part of Halloween celebrations, but it can get pricey. And while Halloween seems to give many of us an excuse for an extra treat or two – as with most things – moderation is vital. This year, try to avoid the temptation of buying an extra bag or two of candy a few weeks ahead of the big day. By the time Halloween rolls around, you’ll likely need another bag anyway. Save yourself from the horror of a sugar coma and broken budget by buying just enough for what you need and close enough to the day that you’re not tempted to snack on it in the meantime.
Save On Decorations, Be A Minimalist
As Halloween approaches, stores are filled with spooky décor, pumpkins, candles, and accessories. It can be tempting to spend a lot of money on these items, but there are ways to stay within your budget. There are relatively inexpensive options for Halloween decorations that won’t break your budget and can often be reused or repurposed for next season.
Changing your regular lightbulbs out for red or blue ones can make a massive difference to the atmosphere of a Halloween party – just remember to change them back when your guests have gone home! Consider sustainable, reusable materials to decorate with, such as sheets, drapes, vases, candle holders, etc. You or your guests will likely have many of these items at home, so you won’t have to spend money or create unnecessary waste
Halloween can be a fun and rewarding holiday to approach in a more budget-conscious way. By discovering the fun and simplicity of ‘less is more,’ you may find that this Halloween is less scary than ever before – both in your wallet and your expectations.
Avoid Overspending On Halloween And Keep Your Finances On Track All Year Round
It’s that time of year again when we all enjoy getting a little scared. The National Retail Federation’s annual Halloween Spending survey revealed that Halloween spending would hit an astonishing 10.6 million dollars this year – the highest it’s ever been!
But what happens when your financial situation is so scary that it feels like there’s no way out? Getting help can make all the difference, and consolidating your debt can be a good option.