Don't be tricked into over spending this Halloween

It’s that time of year again, where pumpkins line porches and pint-sized vampires mingle with superheroes and princesses while going door to decorated door. Halloween is great fun for kids and kids-at-heart.  What does Halloween have to do with National Savings Day (other than being within the same month)?  If you’re the one left paying for all the costumes, candy, and décor the cost might be more scary than the movies.


Don’t let Halloween costs spook you! We have some money-saving hacks for costumes and décor.

Ghastly ghosts
Create an army of floating ghosts using nothing more than white trash bags (any size will do!). Gather a bunch of bags and stuff them with crumpled newspaper. Tie the “head” with a rubber band and give a permanent marker to each member of the family to draw spooky faces on your ghosts. These frightful friends can be hung around your house or yard to scare party guests or trick-or-treaters.

Spooky bird houses
Create a mini haunted house to hang on your door or decorate your table using nothing more than a bird house, black paint and some cotton. Paint the bird house black and stretch cotton over it for a cobwebby effect. Finish it off with a few paper ghosts peeking out of the windows and doors and you’ve got yourself a tiny haunted house!

Mason jar lanterns
For easy DIY decor, paint mason jars with spooky designs and insert battery-powered tea lights for a bewitching glow. Line your walkway or porch with these lanterns to welcome trick-or-treaters.

Care for a lollipop?
Turn your pumpkin into a fun lollipop dispenser with the help of an electric drill. Use the drill to make small holes in your pumpkin and then stick a lollipop into each hole. Set it up on your steps for an adorable, help-yourself trick-or-treat.

Retro costume
Get inspired with what you have available or hit the thrift store to find a free or affordable costume from any era. 

Emoji
Do you have a favorite emoji? Dress in the appropriate color, and create a cardboard cutout of the emoji face to hold in front of your own.

You don't have to miss out on the fun of Halloween or dip into your savings for the rest of the holiday season with these money-saving tips.  Make saving easy with the automatic roundups offered with our Tyndall First Spend and Save Account and find more financial tips by reading other Financial Wellness Blogs on our website.