Halloween Without Breaking the Bank: My Simple Money Saving Tips

Halloween is just over two weeks away and the shops are already full of pumpkins, costumes and sweets. Every year it seems to cost a bit more, and to be honest it's easy to get carried away. One minute you're popping in for a bag of sweets and the next you've got a light up skeleton in your trolley!

So here are the little things I do to keep Halloween fun without spending a fortune.

Set a budget first

Before I buy a single thing, I decide how much I'm happy to spend. Sweets, decorations, costumes, the lot. Once it's written down, it's much easier to say no to the extras. If you've got my 52 Week Savings Challenge or Monthly Budget Planner, pop it in there so you can see it next to everything else.

Make your own costume

You don't need to buy a brand new outfit that you'll wear once. Have a look through your wardrobe first. An old white sheet, a black top with some face paint, or a bit of cardboard and tape can go a long way. Charity shops are brilliant for this too, and you're helping a good cause at the same time.

Decorate on the cheap

Some of my favourite decorations cost next to nothing. Paper bats cut out and stuck on the window, an old jar with a tea light inside, or a few leaves picked up on a walk with Jasper. Basically, if it's orange, black or a bit spooky, it counts!

Buy sweets in bulk

Big multipacks from the supermarket work out much cheaper than lots of small bags. Don't go mad though. Think about how many trick or treaters you actually get. Any leftovers, well, someone has to eat them.

Carve your pumpkin and eat it too

Don't throw the inside away. Pumpkin soup is cheap, warming and perfect for these dark evenings. You can roast the seeds with a little salt for a tasty snack as well.

Have a cosy night in

Halloween doesn't have to mean a big night out. A scary film, a homemade snack and a blanket on the sofa is one of my favourite ways to spend it. Jasper is usually more interested in the snacks than the film, but he's good company!

Keep your pets safe

Speaking of Jasper, Halloween can be a bit much for our furry friends. The doorbell going every five minutes can be stressful, so give them a quiet space to relax. And keep the chocolate well out of reach, as it's dangerous for dogs.

A little goes a long way

Halloween is about having a laugh, not about how much you spend. With a bit of planning you can have just as much fun and still have money left over for the run up to Christmas.

What are your favourite money saving Halloween ideas? Let me know in the comments, I'd love to hear them!