Halloween is coming, did you tell your budget?
I have a complicated relationship with Halloween. We can start with the weird spelling. Not a big fan of ghouls and goblins, and I find picking out and wearing a costume a lot of work. But Halloween has candy going for it. Although, I can buy the same candy in normal packaging year-round for a lot less. Like I said, complicated. 😊
According to a September 2023 article released by the National Retail Federation, they anticipated Americans to spend upwards of $108 on Halloween related festivities. That per household amount adds up to approximately $12.2 billion. Top ways to celebrate the evening were purchasing and handing out candy, decorating homes, attending or throwing parties, and dressing in costumes.
Not to rain on anybody’s jack-o-lantern, but I would not be doing my job if I didn’t remind you to prepare your budget for the extra expense. If you are creative, have a costume making party with some neighbors. Sharing supplies and ideas can help defray some of the costs. If you aren’t, hit up some thrift or consignment stores for a costume. Costume shops make the bulk of their revenue around the Halloween season. Marked up prices for convenience are the enemy of financial goals and budgets. A chart from the article reflects that the bulk of costume purchases are for adult costumes.
Sometimes my sweet tooth gets the best of me and I spend a lot of money on cake, pies and ice cream. If you are part of my tribe, consider setting a cap for candy purchases. Go shopping one time, pay cash, and roll with the inventory until all the miniature Cinderellas empty the bowls.
I am part of the 20% of Americans that pretend not to be home for Halloween (2021 YouGov poll), thus a party for one in the dark has virtually no overhead. But if you insist on being social and festive, pass on catering, consider a themed menu and utilize free or low cost invitations. Utilize the standard outlets for ideas and party hacks.
Most importantly, don’t sacrifice the amazing work you are doing to accomplish your goals because of lack of planning. Particularly when we know it happens the same time every year. You will get the same reminder in a few weeks for Christmas. Strangely, it falls at the same time every year also. 😊
Stay safe and have a nice evening! Until we meet…keep working on the change.