The scariest part of Halloween may be how it can trick you into blowing past your monthly budget, especially if you have kids. The average family in the U.S. with children at home expects to spend $652 this year to celebrate Halloween, according to a CIT Bank survey.
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However, you don’t have to spend anywhere near that much money to still give your kids the best Halloween this year. Here are affordable ideas for still enjoying the spooky season without spending much money.
Getting Into DIY
One way to cut back without sacrificing fun is to craft DIY costumes, according to Tiana Patillo, CFP, financial advisor manager at Vanguard.
Besides saving money, skipping the store-bought costumes also means your kids probably won’t run into anyone with the same ones. Plus, it can be a fun way to let your kids express themselves.
You can find all sorts of DIY ideas online, or you could use tools like ChatGPT to help you figure out how to affordably craft specific ideas your kids might have in mind, like being a witch, dragon, or even some characters from TV shows or movies. With a little creativity and a few dollars spent at thrift stores, you can often create a more elaborate costume than you’d assume.
The same goes for crafting DIY decorations.
“Celebrating within your means doesn’t have to mean sacrificing joy. It’s instead an opportunity to get creative, which may result in a more meaningful experience,” Patillo said.
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Shopping Discount Stores
Another suggestion from Patillo is to shop at discount stores for things like decor and treats.
For example, discount grocery stores like Aldi often have affordable candy that can keep you well under $50, even after spending a little money at thrift stores for DIY costumes.
And when it comes to decorations, remember that you don’t need to spend money to impress other people. A few simple purchases, like pumpkins from a discount grocer that you can then carve, can provide some memorable family fun for a low price.
Going To Free Events
Halloween is often more of a seasonal event rather than a one-day activity. So there is likely a lot of money that could be spent on things like parties and pumpkin patches. However, many Halloween activities won’t cost you anything.
Patillo suggested “checking out free community events like trunk-or-treats and fall festivals.”
Search on social media for events in your area, or you can use an artificial intelligence (AI) tool for suggestions. Your kids’ schools may also have free Halloween events that you can take part in. Maybe you can volunteer for one of these school events, giving you more time to celebrate the holiday with your kids.
Planning Ahead
While there are plenty of ways to have fun this Halloween for under $50, it helps to plan ahead. For example, after the end of this Halloween season, you can likely find clearance Halloween decorations that you can then use year after year.
Also, consider planning ahead financially so that you’re not stressed during the season.
“While every situation is different, taking small steps — like automating savings or putting a few dollars into a high-yield ‘holiday fun’ account — can help create a little more financial breathing room over time,” Patillo said.
Consider reframing your budgeting too. It can be easy to feel guilty about cutting back, especially when you have kids, but modeling good finances and focusing on quality time with them can be more valuable.
“I know firsthand that it can feel conflicting around the holidays,” Patillo said. However, “sticking to your budget and maintaining healthy financial habits is something to be proud of.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: How To Give Your Kids the Best Halloween for Under $50
