It may be hard to resist the pint-sized princesses and super heroes who appear at your door looking for a treat this Halloween, but be careful not to blow the family budget. According to the National Retail Federation, average consumer spending is expected to increase this year to $66.28 for costumes, candy and decorations, almost 18 percent higher than last year. For a family with four children, count on spending about $136. The costs go up if you are planning to attend, or host a party. If you’re still deciding on costumes, candy and other things that can cut into your budget, CredAbility offers these last minute tips to help get through Halloween for less.

Make your own costume. You likely have everything you need right at home to make a great costume at no cost. Check the dress-up box for clothing and accessories for a princess or ballerina. If you have an athlete at home, uniforms can make the perfect costume, transforming your little one into a baseball or football star, cheerleader or dancer. If you have a box and some paint, transform yourself into a box of popcorn, an aquarium, or even an x-ray machine. There are some very cool costume ideas at costumeideazone.com/.

Plan a neighborhood costume exchange. You probably have costumes from the last several years in your kids’ closets. Invite others to bring their costumes and allow kids to “shop” for a new costume. Everyone gets something new, and you will save the $20-$30 you would have spent on a costume. If you do have to shop for a costume, start at the thrift and consignment stores.

Skip the extras. Even if you have to buy a costume, resist the temptation to buy the light sabers, swords, wands and other accessories that are almost always sold separately. They often never leave the house and, if they do, you will likely end up carrying them before the night is over.

Opt for an event over trick or treating. Bring your little ones to a community sponsored event instead of around the neighborhood. If you go, just opt out of buying candy for trick-or-treat night altogether, keep your lights on and make a little Halloween yard sign.

Set a candy limit. Set a budget and stick to it. Choose less expensive candy assortments over higher-priced chocolate items. Consider individual snack items such as pretzels or chips as an alternative and pick them up when they are on sale. For small children, things like pencils, pennies, stickers, tattoos and small toy items can also be a great treat.

Love to decorate? Whether you simply carve a pumpkin or transform your home into a haunted castle, decorations can add significantly to your Halloween costs. Let your kids make decorations that you will enjoy for years to come. Find some great Halloween craft ideas at crafts.kaboose.com/holidays/halloween/. Keep your decorations and reuse them from year to year. If you must buy new, plan to buy them right after Halloween this year when they are half the price.

About CredAbility

CredAbility is one of the leading nonprofit credit counseling and education agencies in the United States, serving clients in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, in both English and Spanish. In addition to providing counseling via telephone and internet, CredAbility operates 28 offices across the southeast, including 25 offices where people can receive in-person counseling.