Trick-or-treat, October is here! This is one of my favorite months, and it’s usually packed full of fun for us. We love heading outdoors when the weather starts to cool and we take advantage of all things fall. I love picking out pumpkins and gourds at the pumpkin patch, haunted hayrides, and high school football games on Friday nights. These things remind me so much of my childhood, and I like to share those traditions with my husband now. All of this extra fun can start to take a toll on our wallets, so it’s important to spend smart so your budget doesn’t take a blow. Check out a few of the tips below to save more and get the most out of this spook-tacular season!
1. Buy candy in bulk at warehouse stores (Costco, Sam’s Club) or watch weekly flyers for upcoming sales or specials at your local grocery or drug stores.
2. If you’re passing out candy for trick-or-treaters, buy something you’re less likely to snack on ahead of time to avoid having to re-stock before the big night. It’s also a smart idea to wait until closer to then, if you can.
3. Set a budget for what you’re willing to buy to pass out, and let that decide how long you’ll pass out treats for. This allows you to spend within your means and still join in on the fun, even if it’s just for a little while.
4. Make your own costume! Create something from things you have around the house, or items you can grab for cheap. You can find tons of helpful, clever ideas online (check out Pinterest for plenty of inspiration!).
5. Swap costumes with a friend instead of buying a new one. Change it up without spending a dime!
6. Party at home. Have everyone pitch in a snack and host something at your house or a friend’s. Cheap decorations from the dollar store or discount party stores (check for coupon codes online for extra savings!) and a spooky soundtrack can make for a festive evening in.
7. If you like to decorate your home for the season, consider investing in items that might cost more now, but will last from year to year. Store them carefully and you’ll be able to enjoy them over and over again.
8. Look for free or low-cost events in your community. It usually don’t cost much to attend fall festivals near your local neighborhood, museums, or schools.
9. Choose your pumpkin wisely! You can often get one for cheaper at your local grocery store as opposed to a pumpkin patch. Don’t buy too soon, or it’ll go bad before Halloween! Prices also drop the longer you wait, so pick one up closer to the big night. If you opt to not carve it, it can last throughout November as Thanksgiving decor!
10. If you’re heading out to a haunted house, bring along your friends! Many local haunts will offer group discounts if you come with a small group – the more, the scarier!
Are you a fall season fan? How do you enjoy the season without breaking the bank? What are some of your favorite things to do around this time of year?
