Halloween is a very old holiday, dating back about 2,000 years.

The Halloween of modern times involves trick-or-treating, disguises, parties, candy and loads of fun. But this time of year can be as stressful as any other holiday. The cost of décor, candy, and costumes can begin to add up if you have a family of little ones and adults, both who like to dress up, party, and gorge on treats. Statistics show that Americans spent $9.1 billion dollars overall were spent on the 2017 Halloween holiday – $2.5 billion of which was spent on candy alone. Jack o’ lanterns, scarecrows, black cats, witches hats, haunted houses, costumes, etc. attributed to the remaining balance.

The reason most folks end up overspending on this spooky holiday is that they don’t give themselves enough time to plan ahead. The holiday creeps up and people are forced to make hasty choices, sometimes without the cash to cover their purchases. So how can we feed that sweet tooth while still reigning in those expenses?

The Cents’ Able Shoppin offers some thrifty ways to have fun without getting spooked by a dwindling bank account, including DIY costume ideas and “costume swaps” with friends whose kids have outgrown theirs.

Let’s not forget all that candy needed for the ghosts and goblins one night of the year! The price of candy peaks in early October. Closer to Halloween, selections might be slim, but will likely be marked down. Check your local sale papers for special coupons and BOGO deals, but avoid shopping on the weekends when prices might be higher.

Dollar stores are also a big help when stocking up for trick-or-treaters, offering candy corn and chocolate, gummies and more. The Krazy Coupon Lady^® says to “shop drugstores for the best deals.” CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreens top her list.

If you’re putting together Halloween party ideas on a budget, look for ways to keep food costs down by clipping coupons and shopping when sales are available. Check your local papers, get printable coupons online, and then make the effort to shop at those grocery stores that double coupons. Use The Krazy Coupon Lady’s help to find the best bargains and deals.

Some terrific ideas for throwing a cheap and easy party can be found at a Living on a Dime, a website for frugal living.  Check it out for ways to keep a lid on the Halloween spending cauldron.

Don’t let Halloween expenses scare you. There are plenty of ways to save money while still having fun. By planning ahead and using these online resources, you can enjoy the holiday without spending a fortune.

Need help consolidating debt, improving your credit score, or saving for the future? VacationLand Federal Credit Union is always here to help. Stop by any of our branches, or call us today at 1-800-691-9299. It’s always our pleasure to serve you!