Getting ready for the spookiest time in the US? You are in the majority. According to the National Retail Federation’s 2022 Halloween poll, 69 percent of Americans will attend this year, and they plan to spend about $10.6 billion in related expenses.
However, fears about inflation also prevail. According to an August 2022 Census Bureau report, roughly half of all households in the U.S. consider the recent rise in consumer prices to be “very stressful.” And with even more expensive holidays coming up, it makes sense to cut spending wherever possible.
This does not mean that you should forfeit the pleasure. Here are ways you can get what you need and want for Halloween without becoming a scary credit card debt.
Free costumes
According to a report from the National Retail Federation, an average Halloween costume will cost $33.75 per person in 2022. Maybe not bad for one person, but if you have a family of four, $135 might be too much.
When money is tight—or if you just prefer to spend it on something else—budgeting expert Andrea Voroh suggests rummaging through your closet to see what you can match with what you already have.
“Often you can add just a few cheap accessories to create the look you’re after, and it will cost you a lot less than buying a full suit,” Vorokh says.
You can also buy these add-ons almost for free, says Cathy Ellison, senior public relations manager, Dollar General. Go to retailers who specialize in dollar items. “Pick up spooky new accessories like headbands, capes or masks,” Allison says. “Then add glamour, with temporary tattoos, wigs, colorful makeup and nail products.” With this strategy, you can put together a suit for a few dollars.
Rather buy a full suit? Look for online coupons and try a buy one get one half price deal, which is especially helpful if you need multiple suits.
Used suits are also great when you’re looking for great deals, so check out what’s available on sites like eBay, Poshmark, and Tradesy. You can even use a tool like Beni to find cheaper used options based on the new item you’re looking for online.
“I was looking for a $24.99 Wonder Woman base set on Amazon, but Beni’s tool found me the same set in the same size on eBay for only $10,” Vorokh says.
Free parties
Organizing a party requires at least some shopping, especially food and drink. So, this is the perfect opportunity to use the best groceries credit card you have in your wallet.
Some cards offer higher reward potential when you use them in supermarkets. For example, the Citi Custom Cash℠ card offers a 5 percent cashback on purchases in your most eligible spending category, including grocery stores, in every billing cycle up to the first $500 you spend. So, if you charge this maximum amount for your monster party, you will earn $25. Pay the bill in full and you’re already ahead.
And if you really want to keep costs down, Vorokh suggests throwing a party between meals so you don’t feel the need to serve a lot of food. Or do it in the style of a common table and assign dishes, drinks and desserts to various guests.
Free decorations
The NRF report showed that 51 percent of US consumers will be decorating their homes or yards this Halloween. If you are in this group and want to cut costs, use your imagination instead of buying expensive items that you only get out once a year.
“You can turn an old white sheet into a hanging or flying ghost on a tree,” Vorokh says. “Cut out black bats and glue them along the front door of black construction paper.” Total Cost: Nothing but your time. This DIY approach is especially appealing if you have kids who love crafts.
Or, Allison says, allocate the budget to buy one standout item rather than renovating the whole house. And if you still have last year’s things, dust them off and take them out. This is a fun holiday, not a competition. Resist the urge to compete with your neighbors.
Free cheap lollipop
One of the most accessible elements of the season is the trick or treat. According to the NRF report, 67 percent of Americans planned to give out candy this year. Household spending was around $25 in 2021, according to statistics compiled by Wilstar. When you count pennies, this can be another financial stressor.
While you can dim the lights and pretend you’re not at home, you have a few different options for minimizing costs.
- Get rewarded for your credit card. If you have some cashback, this is a great time to redeem your rewards. For example, if you have a Capital One card, you can set up the app so that your rewards are automatically redeemed every time you earn a set amount, starting at $25.
- Buy in bulk. Voroch says the best deals are often found in warehouse club stores. Go online and choose what you want in advance. If you don’t have a membership but a friend does, ask them to pick it up for you.
- Use dollar store coupons. “Dollar stores” are always inexpensive, but you can lower the cost even further by using coupons, says Ellison. A large $10 bag of popular candies can be reduced to $8 with a coupon, leaving your family spending well below the national average.
- Wait until the last minute. Consider buying candy the day before Halloween or even in the morning. Vorokh says that many grocery stores and pharmacies are discounting prices on seasonal items, often saving you 50 to 70 percent. You might get a big bag of mints instead of the most coveted Halloween candy, but you’ll enjoy the sweet savings.
bottom line
Of all the seasonal holidays, Halloween should cause the least financial pressure. Yes, there are some costs involved if you choose to participate, but by carefully using your cash and credit cards, you can start November without any additional debt. After that, you can start preparing for the next portion of the autumn-winter holidays.
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