How to have a spooktacular Halloween without scaring your budget
Halloween is a chance to have some fun with your family, get creative and enjoy some spooky treats. However, the cost of costumes, decorations, pumpkins and sweets soon adds up.
The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to have a fang-tastic Halloween.
Set yourself a Halloween budget
Before you start shopping, decide how much you can comfortably afford to spend. Then think about everything you’ll need – costumes, decorations, food and treats – and give yourself a total budget. Once you’ve reached it, stop spending.
If money is already tight, remember that Halloween is just one day. You don’t need to spend money you don’t have to have fun.
Get creative with costumes
Fancy dress doesn’t have to mean buying a brand-new costume. It’s worth checking through your wardrobe for something you can transform or wear something black and add accessories.
You could see if you can costume swap with friends, reuse from previous years or find a second-hand bargain.
Make your own decorations
You don’t need expensive decorations to make your home look spooky. There are many online tutorials for making paper decorations or ghosts from old sheets that will help create a Halloween atmosphere without harming your bank balance.
If you have children, you can get them involved in a cost-saving, fun activity.
Don’t overbuy sweets
Depending on where you live you may get visits from trick-or-treaters and it’s easy to buy far more sweets than you may need.
Work out roughly how many people you’re likely to have visit and set that budget before going to the shops. Look out for supermarket offers or deals at wholesalers if you’re a member but try not to get tempted into buying more just because they’re discounted.
Remember not to eat them, else you’ll have to rebuy!
Have a Halloween night at home
Why not have a spooky movie night with films already on streaming services you pay for or that you have on DVD, make Halloween-themed snacks, play games or have a pumpkin-carving competition at home to save money instead of paying to go out?
Invite friends or family and ask everyone to bring something. Sharing the cost of food and activities can make the evening much more affordable.
Watch out for the little extras
It’s often the small purchases that can push you over budget. A last-minute costume accessory here, a themed drink there and another bag of sweets at the checkout can quickly add up.
Before buying something, ask yourself if you budgeted for it and if the answer is no, then consider whether you really need it.
Accessing support
If you’re worried about money you don’t have to face it alone. Alongside free debt advice, our advisers can refer you through to our partner network to receive additional support.
We’re here to listen, without judgement, and help you explore the options available to you. If you’d like to find out what support could help in your situation, we’re ready to help.
If you are struggling with debts call us on 0800 072 1206. We’re open from 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 3pm on Saturdays.
Alternatively, you can visit our www.payplan.com/bfawu to speak to us via live chat or WhatsApp