Keep the Fright Out of Your Finances
Tips to stay debt-free during Halloween
It's no surprise that Christmas leaves millions of Americans in credit card debt each year, but did you know that Halloween packs its own financial punch? In 2021, Americans spent $10 billion on Halloween related purchases. Here we share tips to keep the Halloween fright out of your finances.Research and plan your activities. Planning your activities will help avoid any unexpected costs. Don’t forget to factor in admission prices, food, drinks or souvenirs from any spooky events you plan to attend. Subscribe to emails from places that are hosting Halloween events and be on the lookout for discounted rates or coupons they might send you. You can also check out your city’s website or local area’s Facebook page to see what free or low-cost activities are in your area.
Don’t add to your debt. Evaluate your spending plan to determine how much you can spend without risking your financial health. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment when you’re out having fun but planning how much you can spend beforehand will help prevent the regret of overspending and keep you on track to your financial goals. You might also consider taking only cash when going out as you can visually see how much you’ve spent and how much you have left.
Stay safe. Emergency room visits dramatically increase on Halloween mostly due to intoxication or trick-or-treating accidents. Even with insurance, unexpected medical costs can put a big dent in your financial goals. Keep your Halloween fun and safe by monitoring kids closely and making plans to get home safely if necessary.
Spread your spending out before Halloween. Don’t wait until the last minute to buy your Halloween goodies. Make a list of the things you need – costume, candy, décor, etc. and spread your spending out in the months leading up to Halloween. Think about what items you can invest in that will be beneficial for the following years.
Think of the longevity of your purchases. While shopping for Halloween, think about the future of your purchases. Finding costume or décor pieces that can be used every Halloween, or just in your everyday life, will help save money in the years to come.
Keep your financial forecast in mind. Because the holiday season starts with Halloween, looking ahead at your spending through the New Year will help prevent you from getting wrapped up in the festivities and forgetting about your spending plan. Determine what your holiday plans are, the estimated cost of each and allocate the funds necessary for each month.
We know the holiday season can be stressful, especially when it comes to our finances. We want all our members to enjoy their holidays without worrying about their financial health. Visit a Financial Health Center to speak with an expert about your financial goals.
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