It’s already time to get spooky again! Halloween is literally a budget buster holiday. Between the cost of costumes, decorations, and candy, your budget can easily go off track. But does it really have to break your bank or add undue consumer debt?
Avoid going into debt for Halloween.
How Not to Make Halloween a Financial Nightmare
A single night of spookiness and dress up can quickly turn into a financial nightmare if you are not careful about how you plan this holiday. However, there is no reason why Halloween should be a budget killer. It is only important that you adopt some simple strategies to save money. Here goes!
DIY Your Halloween
The costume advertisements online and in stores are surely intriguing. However, they can also get quite expensive. Sometimes the only resources you need are already in the house. These can include old clothes, boxes, a pinch of creativity and a lot of YouTube and Pinterest references! Make it a fun exercise to decorate your home for Halloween with your kids. Get them to do the crafts! Trust me it will be more memorable that way. Keep away from accumulating too much debt and spend some time to plan and DIY your Halloween this year.
Plan Ahead
Say your creativity and craftiness is zero, even then what can help you keep the costs under control is only a little bit of planning. Avoid waiting until the last minute to buy your costumes as they can get higher in price. Therefore, do not make the costly mistake of waiting until the last minute. This is true for both costumes and decorations. Also, there is nothing wrong with reusing last year’s decorations! Buy quality decorations on sale at the end of the season that will last for years to come.
Budget, Budget, Budget!
As with all holidays, set a spending limit for the family and stick to it. There’s no need to go into credit card debt to finance your kids’ Halloween costumes. If you plan early enough, are creative with your costumes, and shop around for deals, limiting your spending shouldn’t be an issue. And the night will be a lot more fun without the looming specter of credit card debt the next day.
Bottom Line
Halloween is a time for joy, creativity, and making lasting memories with our loved ones. However, it doesn’t have to come with the scare of huge bills or credit card debt. By embracing DIY approaches, planning in advance, and setting a clear budget, you can have all the thrills without the financial chills. Celebrate the spookiness wisely, ensuring that the only ghosts you encounter are those in fun costumes, not the ghosts of overspending. Let this Halloween be about laughter, treats, and mindful spending!
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
