In some cities, haunted houses are a rite of passage, but the cost of being spooked can be quite frightening. Fear not. The prospect of finding an affordable haunt may not be as grave as you think.Here are some tips that may keep you from being buried —in debt, that is:Go during the … [Read more...] about 7 ways to get discounts on haunted houses
Halloween
A complete guide to celebrating Halloween on the cheap
With more than 41 million potential trick-or-treaters knocking on 120 million doors, Halloween can become one of our most expensive holidays. But even if you don't want to spend a lot, there is no need to turn off the lights and pretend you aren’t home or try to persuade your kids that sweets are … [Read more...] about A complete guide to celebrating Halloween on the cheap
101 easy and cheap Halloween costume ideas for 2023
Halloween will be here before you know it. There's no need to settle for the high-priced, mass-produced, store-bought costumes (although we have seen some clever and cute ones on Amazon). We've gathered up easy and inexpensive homemade Halloween costume ideas for you here. DIY your Halloween … [Read more...] about 101 easy and cheap Halloween costume ideas for 2023
Bake an easy jack-o’-lantern cake for Halloween
When my sons were teenagers, they wanted to have a Halloween party at home. I made this cake that looks like a jack-o’-lantern but is pretty delicious to cut up and eat. The best part: You don't have to contend with seeds or pumpkin pulp!Start with the cake. You can do a pumpkin cake from … [Read more...] about Bake an easy jack-o’-lantern cake for Halloween
Make a scarecrow from items you have at home
For fall decorating, you could purchase a ready-made scarecrow-on-a-stick from a craft store. Or, you can make your own one-of-a-kind scarecrow mostly using materials you have at home.Here’s what you’ll need Safety pins and/or various lengths of ropeBurlap sack or pillowcase for … [Read more...] about Make a scarecrow from items you have at home
Halloween deals, discounts and freebies 2023
October isn’t just about scary monsters, haunted houses and candy everywhere. It’s also about enjoying lots of sweet deals and discounts for trick-or-treaters of all ages.And, for frugal families, it’s always a big treat, whenever they can save money — especially because the major winter … [Read more...] about Halloween deals, discounts and freebies 2023
Scary good (and cheap) Halloween party food
Planning a Halloween party but don't want it to bleed your food budget dry? We've got you covered tighter than a mummy's wrappings! Here are ideas for snacks and beverages for both kids and adults, so no one leaves your celebration looking like a skeleton.(For more Halloween party tips, … [Read more...] about Scary good (and cheap) Halloween party food
Throw a Halloween party on a budget
Halloween is one of those times of year in which we can all revert to being kids. We dress up and enjoy a little extra candy and parties. Planning a Halloween party can be so much fun, and it's even more fun when you throw a Halloween party on the cheap.Choose one of these Halloween party ideas … [Read more...] about Throw a Halloween party on a budget
Halloween movie night ideas
Halloween is slowly creeping up on us, but the day isn’t all about trick-or-treating. It’s also about watching some great Halloween movies that make us laugh with the kids or keep us up all night hiding in horror under the covers. Here's what's ahead: Scary (or fun) Halloween … [Read more...] about Halloween movie night ideas
How to make tasty, ghoulish Halloween ‘fingers’
These creepy witch finger cookies are the perfect centerpiece for a Halloween party, but they are also tasty. The crisp, almond-flavored shortbread tastes even better after being stored, so make these ahead of time.Kathy Mayers of Portland, Oregon, developed this Halloween finger cookie … [Read more...] about How to make tasty, ghoulish Halloween ‘fingers’
How to cook with fresh pumpkin
Fall is here, and it's time for hot cider, hearty stews and, naturally, pumpkins. They’re everywhere – piled in front of grocery stores and farmers markets, decorating the classroom and even gracing the front desk at the gym. And why not? They’re colorful, festive, have a long shelf life and … yes, … [Read more...] about How to cook with fresh pumpkin
4 easy and cheap Halloween decorations
The Halloween season is upon us, making it the perfect time to get started on ghoulishly good crafts and cheap Halloween decorations. Gather some items from around the house, stop at a craft store with a coupon for the rest, and you can make your house spooky on the cheap or dress up your … [Read more...] about 4 easy and cheap Halloween decorations
Free pumpkin stencils for creative Halloween carving
Ask my kids and they’ll tell you I’m a pretty pathetic pumpkin carver. Or I was, until I discovered free stencils to guide me to the gory. And I watched this video to teach me the basics, like how to keep my pumpkin top from falling inside.Pick up a nifty Halloween tool set … [Read more...] about Free pumpkin stencils for creative Halloween carving
4 fun, cheap Halloween alternatives
Halloween can be a fun time for children and adults to dress up, stock up on candy and celebrate fall. Some families prefer to forgo trick-or-treating in favor of other activities. Some neighborhoods aren’t pedestrian-friendly, and some families prefer to take the focus off the spooky and scary … [Read more...] about 4 fun, cheap Halloween alternatives
10 cheap and easy Halloween costumes for pets
Perhaps your pet is participating in a Halloween parade. Or maybe she’s strutting her fluff at a mutt masquerade. Whether it’s for an event or just a fun family photo in the living room, sometimes pets allow you to dress them up.Stores and online retailers are stocked with adorable … [Read more...] about 10 cheap and easy Halloween costumes for pets