How to Take the Scariness Out of Halloween Spending

ST. LOUIS – With the price of chocolate and candy rising considerably over the last few years, the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis’ Economy Museum is offering tips on how to save money on Halloween this year.

“Halloween doesn’t have to drain your bank account like a thirsty vampire. There are some simple steps you can take to make the holiday affordable and fun – not a budget funeral,” said Museum director Abby Anderson.

Anderson’s tips include:

• Visit the Economy Museum on Halloween for free treats and activities, such as making money origami, creating a mummy saving bank, pumpkin cutout craft and more.
• Set a budget and stick to it like ectoplasm.
• Avoid impulse buying by making a shopping list.
• Bring back from the dead old clothes, sheets and household items to create costumes and party decorations.
• Channel your inner Edward Scissorhands and use inexpensive paper and cardboard to make party decorations or costumes.
• Shop at thrift stores for boo-tiful or scary less-expensive costumes.
• Dust off the cobwebs from old costumes and have a neighborhood or school costume swap.
• Bake your own scary treats for Halloween parties.
• Clip coupons, tap store apps or promo codes to save on party and candy purchases.

The Economy Museum is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at One Federal Reserve Plaza. For children and adults who plan to visit the museum in costume, masks and replica weapons are not permitted onsite.