Tag Archives: Halloween on a Budget

Celebrating Halloween on a Budget

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Halloween is a fun and festive time of year – but the cost of decorations, candy, and celebrations can add up quickly. With a little planning and creativity, you can still get into the spooky spirit without breaking the bank. Here are six simple tips to help you celebrate Halloween on a budget while making the most of the spooky season.

1. Get Crafty with Decor

Halloween decorations can be expensive if you rely on store bought items, but you don’t have to splurge to transform your home into a haunted haven. Instead, get creative and make your own spooky decor using items you already have around the house. Old sheets can become ghostly figures, cardboard can be transformed into gravestones, and stretched out cotton balls can make perfect cobwebs. Remember, these decorations only stay out for a few weeks out of the year so they don’t have to be top-notch quality. By reusing what you have, you can create a festive atmosphere without overspending or being wasteful.

2. The Dollar Store is Your Best Friend

For those looking to complement their DIY decor, dollar stores are an underrated goldmine for affordable Halloween items. Many discount stores will set up seasonal sections filled with Halloween decor at a fraction of the prices you’d find at stores like Target or Home Goods. From plastic spiders and skeletons to themed tablecloths and candles, you can stock up on decorations without spending a fortune. With some creativity, items in the craft section can become the perfect decorations with a little glue and paint. These inexpensive items are perfect for creating a spooky vibe on a budget.

3. Shop Smart for Halloween Candy

We all know candy is one of the biggest Halloween expenses, especially if you live in a neighborhood with lots of trick-or-treaters. Instead of making multiple trips and buying tons of regular-sized bags at the grocery store, buy your candy in bulk from warehouse clubs. If you don’t need an entire bulk bag, consider teaming up with friends or neighbors to split large candy purchases and share the savings. This way, you can still get a good deal without overstocking. Don’t have access to a club membership? Opting for off-brand candy is okay too—most kids are happy with any sweet treat!

4. Stick to a Pumpkin Budget

Pumpkins are a fall favorite, but they can be pricey—especially if you get swept up in the excitement of buying too many or buying from the wrong places. To keep your spending in check, set a pumpkin budget. Let each family member pick one pumpkin or cap the total amount the family can spend together. While pumpkin patches are fun for photos, they often come with a higher price tag. Head to the pumpkin patch for a day of fall fun, but consider buying your pumpkins from a grocery store instead. Look out for buy-one-get-one deals and coupons, and remember – a pumpkin is a pumpkin no matter where you buy it!

5. Take Advantage of Free Halloween Events

Fall is filled with community events, and many of them are free. Look for local Halloween parades, trunk-or-treats, and outdoor movie screenings. Cities, neighborhoods, and community centers often host fall festivals or harvest fairs where you can enjoy seasonal activities without the hefty price tag. In addition to Halloween-specific events, fall offers plenty of budget friendly outdoor activities. Take a walk through a local park to enjoy the fall foliage, go apple picking, or visit a farm for a hayride. Check the local events page on Facebook, browse town websites for free or low-cost events happening near you, or subscribe to our First Scoop Blog and check out our monthly things to do on a budget posts!

6. Budget Friendly Costume Ideas

Costumes can be one of the most expensive parts of Halloween, but there are plenty of ways to save. Start by setting up a costume swap with friends, neighbors, or other parents—costumes are only worn once, so swapping with others can give them new life. Don’t shy away from thrift stores. Most second-hand stores setup Halloween sections, and you can find gently used and even brand new costumes with tags. Just like decor, DIY costumes are a fantastic option. Look through your closet for items that can be repurposed. With a little creativity, you can put together a fun costume without spending a fortune.

Don’t Break the Bank on Halloween

Halloween is all about fun and creativity, you don’t have to overspend to enjoy the holiday. At First Financial, we’re here to help you make the most of your money all year long. For more financial tips and personalized advice, call 732.312.1500 or visit a branch today.

Inexpensive Halloween Costume Ideas

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Let’s face it – no one wants to buy an expensive Halloween costume they’ll only wear once. Sure, it might be easier to quickly put one together on the day of – but all those costume pieces can really add up. Plus, store-bought costumes can sometimes be of lesser quality and expensive at the same time. If you’re looking for cheap Halloween costume ideas for you and your family, we’re here to help. Here are some budget-friendly tips to get you inspired.

Consider a DIY costume

Put those artistic skills to good use by making your own costume this year! There are many ideas out there that you can work off of, no matter your skill level. While making a costume from scratch is a bigger time commitment, you’ll be extra proud of your finished product. Here are some themes to get you started.

  • Bag of ice costume: Use plastic bags to create the look of a bag of ice and make it into a family-friendly “ice ice baby” costume.
  • Butterfly costume: Whether you choose to create wings with fabric or by painting cardboard cutouts, you can certainly generate something unique.
  • Operation board game costume: Use felt fabric to create shapes inspired by the board game and then glue them to the costume.
  • Bat costume: Cut a black umbrella in half and use it as wings. Make sure to wear all black and add in ears as well.
  • Spooky ghost: Use white sheets and cut out eyeholes, or use white makeup and gauze to make yourself look extra eerie.
  • Mummy costume: Wrap yourself from head to toe in toilet paper and bandages to achieve this look.
  • Bob Ross and Happy Little Tree: You might have to buy some art supplies for this one, but the rest of this couple’s costume is pretty simple to put together.

Work with what you have

Sometimes the inspiration comes directly from your closet. Chances are, with a little creativity, you can put together a costume based on what you already have. Use some of these ideas for encouragement or take an inventory of your closet and see what you can come up with.

  • Lumberjack costume: If your closet is stocked with flannels, this look will be easy for you to achieve.
  • Hippie costume: Got some 70’s inspired clothes in your wardrobe? Create a hippie-inspired costume and add in some temporary butterfly or flower tattoos.
  • Nerd or gamer: Go the traditional route with glasses and suspenders, or dress up like a gamer with headphones and a game controller.
  • ‘Men in Black’ costume: You’ll need a black suit and sunglasses to look like you’re walking out of the popular Will Smith movie.
  • Bread winner costume: Got a few loaves of bread around and some old trophies or medals? Together they can make a truly ‘punny’ costume.
  • Brawny man costume: All you’ll need is a fresh roll of paper towels, a red flannel, and jeans!

Rely on costume makeup

Not all costumes need accessories to make a statement. Sometimes it’s the makeup that brings a costume to life. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a professional makeup artist to achieve some of these looks. You can make it as simple or as detailed as you’d like!

These looks can be easily achieved with a bit of makeup:

  • Any animal costume (cat, dog, mouse, deer, etc.)
  • A skeleton costume
  • Pop art character
  • Zombie costume
  • Alien costume
  • A (haunted) doll

No matter what you decide to wear or how you’re celebrating, we hope everyone has a safe and happy Halloween! Want more budget-friendly tips? Subscribe to First Financial’s monthly newsletter for all the latest financial resources and advice.

Budget-Friendly Halloween Party Hacks

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Are you tired of hosting the same Halloween party over and over — and spending a lot to boot?

You might have searched high and low to find budget-friendly Halloween ideas, but with no such luck. Or maybe you saw something that interested you, but was so expensive that you had to put it on the back burner for another year.

The answer is really as simple as making your own decorations and party treats. So, let’s give your home the Halloween party look you want to have this year — on a budget.

Halloween Party Ideas on a Budget

Is it really October without at least one Halloween party? Trick or treating time is quickly approaching, and if you’re looking to get creative but don’t have the time or money to hire fancy caterers or set up elaborate decorations – these easy hacks will get you the best results on a budget.

DIY Halloween Decorations

DIY projects are inexpensive, easy to make, and customized, and unlike store-bought decorations (that typically look the same every year). It also allows for time to strengthen your family bond as you create your decorations together. Check out the following decoration ideas below:

Make a Halloween-Themed Bento Box & Other Treats

If you’re planning a party for a group of kids, it’s a good idea to have Halloween-themed bento boxes on hand. This can also be a great way to keep kids entertained.

There are also other Halloween themed food ideas that you can try. Check out the list below:

Halloween Photobooth Props

Taking party pictures is a must, so why not make props for a Halloween photo booth? This will also add to your party fun! Here are some ideas and a link to purchase a set of them or download some free printables:

  • Ghost Face Photo Booth Props
  • Witch-Themed Photo Booth Props
  • Pumpkin Photo Booth Props

Haunt Your Kitchen with Spooky Foods

Making creepy Halloween food doesn’t have to be that difficult or time-consuming. Just add some homemade Halloween props to your dishes, and you can instantly spruce up your table.

The Takeaway

It’s not necessary to go to a specialty store to get Halloween-themed props or decorations that will blow your budget. Sometimes, a simple yet detailed idea is a big hit. Use the above tips (and don’t forget to check out your local dollar store as well), to make your own Halloween party decorations and snacks — for a fraction of the cost.

Happy Halloween!

 

 Article Source: Pinterest.com

Halloween Fun on a Budget: 12 Costume Ideas Using Common Items in Your Home

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No matter what your age, it’s hard to not get excited for Halloween. Whether you’re going to a Halloween party or trick or treating, one of the best parts is getting to dress up. Halloween costumes can be expensive, so what are some ways to save this year?

To come up with an easy Halloween costume on a budget, scan your closet or check your pantry for things that you can easily transform into festive attire. Your craft box and garage may already have the items that will level up your Halloween experience.

If you still need some inspiration for a great affordable costume, we have some fun ideas to further inspire you!

Instagram Filter

Add a modern twist to your costume party by dressing up as an Instagram Filter. Bring out one of your empty cardboard boxes from storage. Trim the box into a large rectangle to transform it into an Instagram frame. Cut out a square hole in the middle of the frame so you can peek out from behind it. Paint a filter on the frame. Get ready to pose as if you were snapping an IG selfie!

Magic 8-Ball

Bring a touch of magic to your festivities by wearing a Magic 8-Ball costume. Put on a black shirt and black pants. Cut a white piece of paper into a circle and tape it to your shirt. Snip out an “8” number from a black piece of paper and stick it to the middle of the white circle. Make a paper hat and write down some Magic 8-Ball answers on each section. Wait for others to consult you about their questions!

Audrey Hepburn

Say hello to Audrey Hepburn as you don a sleeveless little black dress to start your Breakfast at Tiffany’s look. Matching black gloves, large sunglasses, and pearls will help you nail this costume. Oh, and don’t forget that croissant and coffee for a complete ensemble.

Tiger

Paint black stripes on an orange t-shirt. Prepare ear cutouts and paste them onto a headband. Don’t forget to print a mask or paint your face with orange, white, and black to finish the tiger look.

Superman

Become Clark-Kent-who’s-about-to-transform-into-Superman by wearing a Superman shirt under a jacket. Wear reading glasses as part of your disguise.

Lara Croft

Show your adventurous side along with a tank top, khaki shorts, and jungle boots. Braided hair and aviator shades will make you stand out as Lara Croft.

Wednesday Addams

Nail the classic Wednesday Addams look using a long-sleeved black dress over a white-collared shirt. Braid your hair and apply some dark lipstick too.

Stick Figure

Get a plain white shirt and matching pair of pants. Then use electrical tape to create the lines for a stick figure. Draw a head on a paper plate and wear it as your mask. Multiply the fun by making the same costume for the rest of your family.

Miss Universe

Be glamorous for Halloween by wearing an evening dress. Wear a Miss Universe sash, and flaunt your crown as you sashay the evening away.

Mime

If you’ve got a striped white shirt, suspenders, and a pair of white gloves – you’re almost ready to dress up as a mime. All you need is some white face paint and you’re good to go. And don’t forget to get into character by trying not to talk!

Greek Goddess

Take a white top sheet, wrap it around your body, and tie the two ends on your left shoulder. Get a thin belt, a cord, or a golden chain – and wrap it around your waist. Leaf accents in your hair add to the subtle charm of this Greek attire.

Ghost

While we’re on the topic of top sheets, if you’ve got an old one – cut out holes for the eyes. Going as a bedsheet ghost is one of those fun, classic old school costumes everyone should try at least once!

Are You Ready to Dress Up for Halloween?

Hopefully the ideas above can inspire some costume creativity this Halloween. If you look, you’ll most likely find that your home is a treasure-trove of easy to use costume pieces that will work great for your DIY Halloween outfit – and save you money in the process.

Have a great Halloween!

How to Keep Halloween from Scaring Your Budget

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The average American spends around $86 on Halloween – between candy, decorations, costumes, and the like. And that’s only the national average, so many of us tend to spend quite a bit more.

If you’re on a strict budget this year, that amount might give you a scare. However, you can keep from frightening your budget this year. Try these tricks to help you stick to a painless Halloween budget.

Costumes

One of the main parts of Halloween fun are the costumes. However, dressing up can get costly – especially if you have several members of your family dressing up this year. Instead of buying a $40+ costume at the store or attempting to sew one together, turn looking for children’s costumes into a family game.

Head to your local consignment shop or thrift store and give each child an envelope with no more than $10 inside. Split up into teams to pick out a costume or find items that can be put together to create one. Don’t forget to also look in your closets at home to see if there’s anything you already have that can be used for dressing up.

Also check with your family, friends and neighbors to see if they have any costumes or items they aren’t using that you can borrow. Don’t spend a fortune on something that will most likely only be worn for a few hours.

Decorations

Some people really love to go all out for Halloween. However, if you keep blowing your budget on expensive Halloween decorations each year – you may be paying off your debt well into Halloween next year. If you need to stretch your budget, stop by your local dollar store for decorations. You’ll be surprised at the great items you’ll find!

Also save and reuse your decorations year after year. Store all your ghouls and goblins in a reusable bin once the season is over. Then pull them out next Fall without having to spend a dime!

Candy

Do you live in a neighborhood or on a street where it seems like the amount of trick or treaters are endless? Candy can be pricy too. If you know you’re typically visited by what seems like hundreds of kids in costume, don’t buy gourmet chocolate bars. Pick up a large bag of assorted candy in bulk instead. Do an online search for coupons and deals, too. Buy what you can afford, and when the candy is gone, it’s gone.

Try to keep track of how many trick-or-treaters visit your home so you can plan amounts better for next year. You probably also don’t want to overbuy and then be stuck with tons of candy sitting around either. The key here is to plan ahead!

Pumpkins

Pumpkins may only last a few weeks at most. And with that being said, they aren’t always cheap either. Once you start, it’s hard to stop with just buying one pumpkin too. From the porch to your patio, stairs and table – you might pick up 20 pumpkins when all is said and done.

Give yourself a strict pumpkin budget. Let your kids each pick only one or don’t spend more than $20 (or whatever number you decide is best for your budget).

While going to the pumpkin patch is a great Autumn past-time, don’t buy your pumpkins there if you’re looking to save money. Instead, buy pumpkins from the grocery store (they’re usually always cheaper and still look great!).

Greeting Cards

Is sending out a Halloween greeting card really necessary, even if it’s for your adorable niece or nephew or grandchild? Cards can be $5+ each nowadays, and that’s not cheap for something that may very well end up in the garbage can after it’s opened and read. If you really feel that you need to send a greeting card, try making your own instead. Use cardstock and get creative. Or hit the dollar store for cards – this is a best kept secret.

Fall Activities

Are there lots of farms with weekend harvest and Halloween events going on this month near you? The good news is, admission is typically free or not very expensive. Take advantage of this gorgeous time of year and all the farm budget-friendly activities such as corn mazes, pumpkin bowling, and the like. Take a hayride with the family or spend a few hours walking around the farm. You can also pile into the car and take a drive to look at the changing colors of the leaves, pick some apples, or pack up an outdoor picnic at your favorite local park. Look at your community calendar or website and scope out what’s going on near you.

Traditions

Plan a weekend for family or friend get-togethers this Fall. Save money by staying at home and trying a new tradition with your crew. Ideas include a Fall food cooking day (caramel apples, pumpkin pie, etc.), watch scary movies together, or do a backyard scavenger hunt.

It’s definitely possible to have an unforgettable Halloween without haunting your budget! With some planning and creativity, you’ll have a great holiday celebration without giving your bank account a fright. Happy Halloween!

Article Source: Dave Ramsey

Last Minute Halloween Costumes on a Budget

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Halloween is almost here and that means your time to find a costume is limited. If you are like many Americans, a Halloween costume is something that seems to slip to the bottom of the list every year. Whether you are putting together a last-minute fix for your child or a low-key costume for the neighborhood party, we have a few options for you.

Stick with the classics.

Everyone knows Charlie Brown. While his dreary disposition may not seem like the ideal inspiration for a fun Halloween costume, it is important to remember that Charlie always keeps it simple. Stock up on the following materials and create your own Peanuts ghost costume. You’ll need:

  • 1 white bed sheet
  • 5 sheets of black cardboard paper
  • 1 pair of scissors
  • 1 container of glue

Punny is priceless.

Everyone knows someone who doesn’t like to dress up. If you are that person, you’re in luck, this one’s for you. This costume commandeers the style of our Canadian friends and relies heavily on denim (also known as: the Canadian tuxedo). Grab your favorite pair of jeans, a denim jacket or shirt, and one “HELLO MY NAME IS” name tag. Fill out the name tag with the name “Jean” and you’re good to go. As a bonus, this costume will definitely keep you warm even on a cool October night. Costume supplies:

  • 1 pair of jeans
  • 1 denim top
  • 1 “HELLO MY NAME IS” name tag
  • 1 marker
  • Denim shoes or hat (optional)

Kick it old school.

Style is always changing and with decades of life experience comes decades of outdated apparel lining the back of your closet. Dig into your closet and revitalize one of your favorite old-school looks. From the bell-bottoms and big collars of the 70’s to the big hair and bright colors of 80’s – your Halloween costume is probably hiding in your closet, you just have to find it. This one’s easy – you’ll need:

  • Willingness to relive past fashion mistakes (and have fun with it!)

At the end of the day, Halloween is about having fun. Keep the stress and the cost low this year and handle the whole process in-house with these easy last minute costume ideas. Happy Halloween!