Looking for the best ways to stick to your budget this Halloween?
Ward off bad luck or misfortune with five tips from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to help enjoy the spooky holiday without breaking the bank.
“Halloween is supposed to be a fun night with family, friends, scares, and sweets,” said Simone Lis, BBB President and CEO.
"Seasonal stores, pop-ups, and online retailers that offer the latest Halloween trends and costumes may not always be the ideal option for trick-or-treaters looking for the best deal."
Here are the BBB’s top five tips to take the fright out of your Halloween budget:
Look around your home
- Check your closet. There are probably hidden surprises to help you throw together a killer costume! Getting creative will not only help save money but also space.
Rent a costume
- If the idea of spending money on buying a costume isn't quite appealing because you will only wear it once, consider renting. Renting a costume leaves room in the budget. Research rental companies on BBB.org, check the store policy regarding trying on costumes, inspect the condition of the outfit, and read the rental agreement carefully before signing anything.
Buy in bulk
- It may seem counter-intuitive, but buying more can save you money! Buying in bulk lessens the cost per item. Budgeting can be especially handy on a night like Halloween, considering there might be more trick-or-treaters this year. Factory-wrapped candy will last a long time, even if you have leftovers. And let's be honest, leftovers are pretty tasty, even after Halloween.
Always check the return policy
- Seasonal shops carry unique items for a short period in a temporary location or online. When shopping for a seasonal vendor, understand the store's return policy before purchasing and if the store is seasonal, find out when they close or if they will take items back even, before or after the holiday if you are unsure if the item is what you want.
Shop smart online
- When shopping from an online website, the first step is ensuring the URL starts with "HTTPS" and includes a lock symbol. The S in "HTTPS" stands for secure. Look up the website's privacy policy and contact information. If it is not clearly listed, or they only have an email as the point of contact, take that as a big red flag and shop elsewhere.
Also, be sure to use your credit card instead of your debit card, as credit cards not only provide additional protection but also easier to dispute a fraudulent charge. Get more tips for online shopping here!
