Carve Out Savings This Halloween
Expenses have a way of creeping up this time of year. Avoid getting tricked into spending more and stay safe with these tips.

Historically, Halloween has been a pricey celebration; according to the National Retail Federation, consumers are expected to spend $12.2 billion in 2023 for the holiday – exceeding the previous year’s record of 10.6 billion.
While it might seem like you must spend a lot of money to enjoy Halloween, that’s not the case. Check out these money-saving ideas to make the most of the holiday.
Inexpensive Halloween Fun
Group Activities
This Halloween, enjoy fun and memorable activities that won’t break the bank. Try these ideas to welcome in the spooky season:
- Pumpkin-carving contest
- Scary (or not-so-scary!) movie night
- Halloween DIY crafts for decorations
If needed, check out the dollar stores near you for inexpensive Halloween decorations and look for coupons online to compare prices and sales before you start shopping. And if you’re an earlier planner, hit the clearance racks the first week of November for huge discounts on costumes, decorations, and candy.
Candy
Purchase candy in bulk to help save. This is one of the best money-saving ideas for Halloween, especially if your neighborhood brings in a lot of trick-or-treaters. Look for deals online and at wholesales stores, such as Sam’s Club and Costco to stretch your dollar.
Be sure to explore the regular candy isle and the seasonal aisle. Even though the Halloween aisle is eye-catching, everyday prices may be the better buy. If available, factor coupons and BOGO deals in when comparison shopping.
Costumes
Get creative and ditch the expensive store-bought outfits. Instead, search the internet for costume inspiration and DIY examples. For example, YouTube is full of makeup tutorials for every look, from scary clowns to cute rag dolls.
Alternatively, hit the thrift store for a unique look or organize a costume trade. Check with friends and family to see if they have items they’d be willing to donate or lend and vice versa. Whether it’s an entire costume or a few accessories, that’s just one less thing to buy.
For the costumes that you must shop for, be sure to comparison shop online and look for coupons. Look at sites like Amazon and eBay to compare prices and find the best deals.
Summary
Save money where you can and be safe to protect yourself and those around you.
Happy Halloween!
Providers and products are mentioned for educational purposes only. This in no way constitutes an endorsement or approval by A+FCU. Refer to the external organization’s site for the most up-to-date information as their products and terms are subject to change.


Budgeting
Ready to take control of your finances? See what steps to follow to develop a spending and saving plan and follow through on it.
Related Articles
Top 10 Holiday Scams

Our best line of defense is to recognize a scam before it strikes. Learn the most common types of scams to be on the lookout for this holiday season.
How To Minimize Debt This Holiday Season

Will you be naughty or nice when it comes to holiday shopping? Follow these suggestions to avoid piling on additional debt this season.
Merry Money Tips: 12 Ways To Save This Season

It’s the most wonderful time of the year which means it’s time to tackle holiday shopping. Use these twelve spending tips to stay on budget and save.