Halloween on a Budget

---

The scariest night of the year is upon us, but that doesn’t mean that the bill should haunt you until payday. Halloween can be extremely cost effective, and this blog post will explore some of those options.

Candy

Did you know that across Canada, approximately $400 MILLION is spent on Halloween candy alone? While that bill may be lower this year due to the current pandemic, it’s still hard to resist the urge to buy a box or two of bite-sized treats. Instead of closing the curtains and turning off the lights, there are budget-friendly options to satisfy those with a serious sweet tooth.

Dollar stores are a good place to source out sugary snacks for any trick or treaters who may be knocking on your door. Many stores will sell name-brand treats for a fraction of the cost of what you’d find in a regular grocery store.

If you prefer not to hand out candy, novelties such as pencils, stickers, and temporary tattoos are excellent options as well. Online retailers such as Amazon carry bulk packs of seasonal stationery for relatively inexpensive costs, so it is a great place to start looking.

Costumes

Did you know that on average, Canadians spend $52 on a single Halloween costume? For a family of four, that’s over $200 spent on something worth for only a few hours one per year. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to find the perfect costume without going overboard on spending.

Do-it-yourself is a great way to save money on a costume, and you don’t necessarily have to be skilled at sewing either! For example, you could purchase a plain, coloured t-shirt and some fabric paint from a craft store such as Michaels, and create a variety of different looks, from ladybugs to bumblebees. Pair that with whatever bottoms suit your comfort level, and you’re good to go.

Of course, we mustn’t forget the all-mighty thrift store when it comes to bargains on costumes! The Salvation Army and Value Village are excellent locations to hunt for that perfect piece to finish off your Halloween ensemble. Some even have complete costumes ready to go for stress-free shopping!

Decorations

It’s no secret that some households go all out for Halloween, decorating with elaborate haunted houses, spooky air-filled inflatables, and the like. While these homes certainly have the “Wow” factor, young trick or treaters often just look for a simple carved pumpkin and a porch light that’s turned on.

Again, dollar stores often have a wide variety of decorations that are comparable to the seasonal pop-up stores, and for a fraction of the cost! Everything from lawn ornaments to window decals can be found, so be sure to check it out if you’re looking for that extra “something” for your home or yard.

Do-it-yourself is again, another great option to save on expenses, plus you can get your kids involved for the fun! Pinterest hosts thousands of simple and easy ideas for creating fun decorations perfect for Halloween.

Parties

While there may not be many Halloween bashes this year due to the COVID pandemic, having to remain within your social “bubble” will benefit many who are on a strict budget but still would like to host a get together. Let invitees means less food and drinks, which ultimately allows you to save cash!

To stretch your savings even more, and to help prevent the spread of COVID, if you’re hosting, encourage your guests to bring their own food and beverages. Not only is it the safest way to socialize, but there’s no need to worry about food going to waste due to uneaten snacks.

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to still enjoy Halloween on a budget! There’s absolutely no need to shut off the porch lights and close the curtains;

Of course, if you’re really wanting to go above and beyond when it comes time to scare your neighbours, Speedy Cash is here to help! Visit us in-store or online and apply for a payday loan – there’s nothing spooky about it! We’re available 24/7 at www.speedycash.ca.