How to Budget for Halloween Fun

Halloween is a major consumer holiday with retail sales in the billions. Americans spend at least half of that on candy alone! If you are like most people, you need to watch your budget. Here is how to make one, stick to it and still have a great time for Halloween.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Take a realistic look at your normal budget. Where will you be able to allocate some funds for Halloween stuff. Decide how much you have to spend. Write it down.
2. Make two lists: what you need for this Halloween and what you want for Halloween. For instance: You need candy for trick or treaters that will be at your door, you want that singing dancing ghost doll you saw at the store.
3. Prioritize your needs list. See if there are areas where you could save funds, like using what you have to make a costume. Figure out what funds you have left and prioritize your wants list. Decide on what you can afford – don’t go over your limit!
4. Remember that things go on clearance the day after Halloween, so save some of your budget for the sale. You may find things on your wants list available at a much lower price and then you’ll have it for next year.
5. Ear mark some funds throughout the year to save for Halloween. Ten dollars a month is easier on the budget then $120 in October.