Halloween can be fun. It doesn’t have to be expensive.

You probably saw Halloween decorations, costumes, and candy on sale in August. Why? Because consumers plan to spend $11.6 billion this year on the holiday, according to a National Retail Federation survey.

Smart shopping can save you money. It can also put cash in your checking account with the Daily Rewards Debit account from Tropical Financial Credit Union. Every time you make a retail purchase, 2 cents will be deposited in your account.

You don’t need to splurge to make Halloween memorable. Find lower prices and bargains by:

• Shopping at discount stores. You can find decorations for less, sometimes as little as $1. The superstores usually have a wide selection in October. Just don’t wait until the last minute, as stock will not be replenished after a specific date.
• Buying candy in bulk. Are you expecting a lot of trick-or-treaters? Purchase candy in bags with over 100 pieces from warehouse stores like Costco, Sam's Club and BJ Wholesale Club. Candy usually comes in a wide assortment, so youngsters can choose what they like best.
• Getting crafty with decorations. Rather than buying off-the-shelf items, make your own using items from craft stores like Michael’s and Hobby Lobby. Plan a weekend afternoon to construct decorations with family members. Your original creations, including items around the house, will make memories.
• Exploring thrift stores. Avoid the temptation to purchase expensive outfits made famous by movie or comic book characters will probably be out of fashion next year. You’re better off financially with a good costume from a low-price retailer that a fast-growing child will fit into only one night.

Upcycling or borrowing costumes can help you skip the check-out line. Ask relatives and close friends whether they have children’s costumes they wouldn’t mind trading or lending. They may have nice outfits that no longer fit their youngsters.

Do few homeowners in your neighborhood welcome trick-or-treaters? Make the holiday more rewarding by visiting a free haunted house in your city. A nonprofit or school or nonprofit may decorate a space and have treats for children, too. You can often find cost-free experiences on online calendars.

If you live in a go-to neighborhood for trick-or-treating, invite friends for a potluck dinner before dusk. You’ll have fun and share the expense of feeding young ones. 

Your best money-saving strategy may be to hit stores that sell Halloween items on Nov. 1. Many will be putting the remaining inventory on sale. Don’t dally, though, because other bargain hunters will be out there, too. Carefully store your items to make Halloween 2025 a fun one.