Thrifty Thinking: Halloween Savings

Americans spent more than $2.5 billion on Halloween costumes in 2011. While the economy continues to mend, analysts expect spending to continue to rise this Halloween, according to the National Retail Federation. With Halloween being one week away, GreenPath Debt Solutions has put together some tips to make sure your haunted holiday is all treats and no tricks!

1. When buying a costume, consider reaching out to family and friends who may have costumes left over from last year.
2. Homemade costumes can help keep prices down and allow imaginations to run wild (zombie ballerina?).
3. While it is easy to get caught up in the excitement, try to keep accessory buying in check. Press-on ghoul fingernails, Harry Potter magic wands, and fake teeth can quickly lose their usefulness, as the little ghouls reach out for goodies and yell “Trick or treat!” 
4. Share your costumes with family, as they likely are only worn once.
5. When it comes to buying the candy, pick your least favorite.  This will stop the temptation of eating it before the actual holiday and save you from running back to the store when the candy is no longer on sale.

About GreenPath Debt Solutions

GreenPath Debt Solutions is a nationwide, non-profit financial organization that assists consumers with credit card debt, housing debt and bankruptcy concerns. Their customized services and attainable solutions have been helping people achieve their financial goals since 1961. Headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan, GreenPath operates more than 60 branch offices in Michigan, New York, New Hampshire, Colorado, Florida, Texas, Vermont, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Arizona and Wyoming. GreenPath also delivers licensed services throughout the United States over the Internet and telephone. GreenPath is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) and is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA).  For more information, visit www.greenpath.org.