Halloween Costs Are Scaring Me. How Can I Save?

Q: Money is tight, so the thought of shopping for Halloween costumes and the party I’ll be hosting are giving me the chills! Is there any way I can save on Halloween costs, or am I doomed to watch my budget vanish into the night?

A: Halloween costs can be frightful, but you can send those debt goblins packing and keep your budget from disappearing into a haunted hole. Here’s how to keep the spookiness alive without breaking the bank:

Swap costumes with friends

Scare everyone silly by digging up your Halloween costumes from years past and organizing a costume swap with friends or neighbors—you’ll snag a creepy new look without spending a penny!

Plus, by saving on costumes, you can keep your budget in check. Remember, Scott Credit Union provides budgeting tools that act like a spellbook for your finances, guiding you through your spending and helping you avoid any budgetary hexes!

Turn your youth/throwback clothing into a costume

Go as your college or teenage self, complete with the hairstyle and accessories you wore back then, or just dress as that decade for a trip down memory lane that’ll leave everyone howling with laughter.

Do a group costume

You can have a frightfully fabulous Halloween getup without spending a ton when you theme your costume as a group. Some ideas for group costumes include Disney villains, classic movie monsters, and Pacman and ghosts.

Repurpose household items for Halloween decor

Old white sheets and a permanent marker can make the best ghosts. Pool noodles can be outfitted in striped leggings to look like witch legs, and you can fashion a bunch of creepy bats from construction paper. You can also turn milk cartons into countertop ghosts with some plastic eyes and LED lights. For a creepy vibe from floor to ceiling, slant the hang of your wall photos.

Recycle decorations

Don’t buy new decorations every year—invest in timeless pieces that can haunt your home for many Halloweens to come. Classic items like decorative pumpkins, spider webs, and skeletons never go out of style and can be stored easily for future festivities.

Getting crafty not only keeps costs down but also lets you keep your savings sweet at Scott Credit Union—because it’s all about treats, not tricks, when planning for your financial future!

Use strategic lighting to set the mood

Set the scene with some bewitching lighting. Half-melted candles on windowsills, blackout curtains to block all light, and colorful bulbs can create a spook-tacular ambiance that will thrill your guests.

Halloween doesn’t have to be a budget-buster! With a bit of creativity and some strategic planning, you can enjoy all the fun of the holiday without the scary price tag. Plus, by leveraging budgeting tools and financial tips from Scott Credit Union, you can keep your finances on track throughout the spooky season and beyond.