Ghosts, witches and goblins make Halloween a scary time of year for everyone, but especially for families who want to avoid the horror of debt. The cost of costumes for kids (and some adults), candy for neighbourhood children, and elaborate decorating all add up (and this is just Halloween…don’t even get me started on Christmas). Stores are stocking up on a huge variety of decorations these days, including pumpkin lights, scarecrows and animated characters for the front lawns. When did homemade ghosts tied to trees become a thing of the past?
Halloween is the perfect time to practice eliminating debt demons. We can definitely enjoy a fun holiday event with our families, without putting ourselves into debt and therefore taking the fun out of Halloween.
Here are a few ways you can stay out of debt at Halloween and prepare yourself for the debt crunch at Christmas.
Be prepared. First, decide how much your family budget can handle for Halloween. If the budget is tight, cut down on decorations first — a couple of pumpkins can provide quality family time for carving. Look around for deals on pumpkins as well. You would be amazed at the bargain prices you may find.
Be informed. Find out which stores have the best bargains, and remember that items don’t have to be the best quality as Halloween only happens once a year. No one will notice if you skimp on items. Double-check bulk candy prices, to make sure they’re really less expensive than buying smaller quantities.
Be creative. If money is short, try non-traditional sources for costumes; www.kijiji.ca, for example. Costumes are often times only used for a few hours in total so if you can get a used costume for next to nothing, it’s definitely worth it. Start looking early though as other people might have the same idea. You can even set up costume exchanges with local community or parents groups.
Be yourself. Just because many of the houses on your block are decorated doesn’t mean that yours has to be. A stylish arrangement of pumpkins that the whole family has contributed to carving can be just as effective (okay, almost as effective, but being effective just means more kids collecting candy at your house anyway J) as expensive lights and props.
Be safe. Choose not to decorate or hand out candy at all. Maybe take your trick-or-treaters to a shopping mall or community center. Check local event calendars, and with your children’s schools if applicable, to find out what your options are. If you’re on your own, and find it difficult to escort your children as well as hand out candy, team-up with friends and neighbors to pool your resources.
And remember, practicing a budget for Halloween just means you will be better prepared for Christmas.
