Sweet tricks and treats for affordable Halloween

WITH the cost-of-living crisis still squeezing household budgets, Halloween might feel like yet another seasonal pressure point.

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For families wanting to join in the fun - from costumes to sweets and decorations - rising bills and everyday expenses can make celebrating tricky. But it is possible to enjoy Halloween without frightening your bank balance.

Sticking to a budget is the first and most important step.

"It's easy to get caught up in spending for Halloween, but staying mindful of your budget can make a big difference," says Tesco Bank's savings and payments director, Chris Henderson. "Everyone's financial situation is different, so there's no need to feel pressured to keep up with others.

"Setting a budget for events like Halloween can help you avoid overspending and stay in control of your money.

"Be clear on your budget and take advantage of early deals and offers, to save you more in the long run."

How much should you spend?

With pumpkins, costumes and sweets all adding up, it helps to have a figure in mind before heading to the shops.

"A good rule of thumb is to spend no more than 10% of your disposable income on Halloween decorations, costumes and activities," says personal finance expert and head of money at Plum, Rajan Lakhani.