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MMI Advises Consumers How to Keep Halloween from Becoming a Budget Nightmare
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For more information contact:
Kelly Rote (713) 394-3201 |
Release Date: October 19, 2005 |
Halloween provides an opportunity to look outrageous, but while it may be fun to go incognito, it is important not to lose your head. It seems that retailers are tricking consumers more and more, rather than treating them. And with an average wig costing $20, Halloween expenses can quickly become unsettling.
Experts at Money Management International (MMI) offer the following advice on enjoying a budget-conscious Halloween without getting spooked:
Get creative. Halloween decorations don’t have to cost a fortune. Cotton balls can make terrific spider webs and homemade bats are the scariest. Visit the pumpkin patch right before the big day to reap big, last minute savings.
Take a look around. Halloween costumes for kids can range from $15 for a basic off-the-shelf costume to $40 or more for a more elaborate ensemble. Instead, try making costumes out of items you already own. Chances are, looking in the back of your closet will not only scare you, but all your neighbors! Or you can turn your toddler into a mummy by wrapping her in ace bandages. For more costume ideas, visit www.parentsoup.com. Also, try make-up or face paint instead of masks.
Reuse and Recycle. If your child still likes last year’s Spiderman costume, let him go as the superhero again this year. Or, ask another parent if their child would be willing to trade costumes for one night. Be sure to check garage sales and second-hand stores for gently used attire. However, don’t skimp on safety. At a minimum, children should wear clothing with reflective markings or tape and carry a flashlight.
Make the most of it. Why limit the fun to just one night? Halloween costumes make fun dress-up clothes any time of the year. And, according to Hershey’s, you can store chocolate for up to a year. Saving collected candy to disburse throughout the year will save money and stomachaches.
Be a smart shopper. Halloween is also known as “Beggar’s Night,” and according to the National Confectioners Association, Halloween is the biggest candy holiday, with $950 million in sales in the United States. To ensure that your treats don’t break the bank, watch for coupons and buy in bulk. Instead of buying name brand candy, check the dollar store to find less expensive options.
“By following these common sense tips you can have a safe and fun Halloween without the budget nightmare,” said Catherine Williams, vice president of financial literacy for MMI. “With all the money saved during Halloween, there will be more to allocate towards holiday budgeting.”
For more money saving tips, consumers can visit www.moneymanagement.org.
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Money Management International, is a non-profit community service organization that provides confidential financial guidance, counseling and debt management assistance to consumers. MMI helps consumers trim their expenses, develop a workable budget, lower their debt payments and repay debts. Services are available by phone. To visit with an MMI counselor, call toll-free 1-800-762-2271- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Spanish speaking counselors are available. Consumers can also learn more by visiting the MMI home page at www.moneymanagement.org.
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