Iowa State Bank Blog
Taking the Terror Out of Halloween Expenses
Between costumes, jack-o-lanterns, décor, and mountains of candy, the cost of Halloween may be the most terrifying part of the holiday. According to the National Retail Federation, the average American spends about $77 on decorations, candy and costumes each year.
Treat your monthly budget by sticking to these cash-saving tips from Iowa State Bank:
Make use of the dollar store:
Whether you are looking to make Halloween decorations or costumes, the dollar store is a great place to round up supplies to make your own crafts. If you don’t have a dollar store near you, check out local craft stores for supplies and décor. Many craft stores offer coupons and deals, so be on the lookout for those as well.
Purchase pumpkins last:
It may be tempting to start carving as soon as October 1 hits, but wait it out a little longer. Many stores will put their pumpkins on sale as Halloween approaches to help sell their pumpkin inventory. Waiting until just a few days before Halloween to purchase and carve your pumpkins means you can take advantage of these more affordable prices!
Look for free events in the community:
To avoid the high costs of putting on a Halloween party or even the costs of stocking up on candy, consider taking your family to a free Halloween event or activity in your community. Check your local library or newspaper for free Halloween events in your area.
Make your own costumes:
Buying Halloween costumes off the rack for the entire family will put you above the average $77 Halloween costs in a heartbeat. Just as it is less expensive to shop for decorations at dollar stores and craft stores, it is often times less expensive to make your own costumes. Use supplies that you already have to put together a great costume and buy just a few new pieces to complete your look.
These tips can help you squeeze the most out of your Halloween without spooking your budget. If you think a separate savings account will keep your budget accountable, stop by Iowa State bank today to learn about ours savings accounts.
Iowa State Bank, Equal Housing Lender, Member FDIC