We know it’s only the very first day of October, and many of you may think it’s too soon to talk about it… but Halloween is just around the corner! The decorations, treats and pumpkins are already filling up the shops.

This month is all about Halloween and the days leading up to the 31st. Many people see Halloween as something fun to look forward to now the weather is starting to get colder (in lots of places!) and the days are getting shorter.

Although it’s still a few weeks away, planning ahead is a great way to ensure you don’t overspend when it comes to buying treats for the trick or treaters, pumpkins for your front yard or decorations to turn your home in to a haunted house.

We’ve put together some saving money tips for Halloween which will help you enjoy the day without breaking the bank to do so…

Don’t choose expensive decorations – get down to the dollar/pound stores, or find out where the sales are, for some DIY decorations. You don’t need to spend a fortune to celebrate the magic and mystery of Halloween. Have a look online for some simple home-made decoration ideas – you’ll probably have most items you need without even knowing it!

Make your own costumes – save some cash and make your own costumes instead of going out and buying a load of expensive ones. Pinterest is a great resource for inspiration so make sure you do some research. You could even get the kids involved – they’ll feel great that they helped make their own costume to go trick or treating in.

Wait to buy your pumpkins – if you wait to buy pumpkins just a few days before the 31st you’ll save money by getting them for much cheaper – supermarkets usually put the price down a few days before Halloween. A great way to make sure your jack-o’-lantern lasts throughout Halloween is to spray the carved pumpkin with a bleach solution, acrylic or a pumpkin spray designed to help it last longer.

Buy in bulk – making sure Halloween goodies are safe and hygienic means buying individually wrapped, sealed pieces of candy – and this can get expensive. If you want to save money, buy the candy in bulk from warehouse stores where your cash will go further – you’ll have a lot more candy than you would have if you paid the same price in your local store. Also, have a look online for discount deals as there’s often plenty.

Ignore chocolate treats – although chocolate is probably the treat of choice for most children, it’s also a lot more expensive than other types of candy. Be price-conscious when choosing which Halloween candy you’re going to give out and go for the non-chocolate option which will be much cheaper – the kids will still love it, no matter what it is.

Whether you’re enjoying spooky decorations at home and throughout your neighbourhood, dressing up in scary costumes or having fun taking the kids trick or treating, Halloween shouldn’t come with a frighteningly high price tag, especially when there’s some major holidays just a few months away.