Halloween Money Trivia

It's time for another round of Money Trivia! 🎃

With Halloween just around the corner, I thought we'd have a little fun looking at how much Americans spend celebrating this spooky holiday.

Here's your question:

How much does the average American celebrating Halloween expect to spend on costumes, candy, decorations, and other Halloween purchases this year?

• A. $45

• B. $75

• C. $115

• D. $175

Got your answer? Keep scrolling!

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The answer is C - $115! 🎃

According to the National Retail Federation, Americans celebrating Halloween expect to spend an average of $115.14 per person this year.

But what's really interesting to me isn't just how much we're spending. It's how Halloween has become an entire shopping season - and how much we're being encouraged to buy.

Every year, I notice stores putting out Halloween merchandise in August. AUGUST! 😂

And guess what? I bought my Halloween candy at Costco in August!

Why? Because it was on sale, and I knew I'd be buying Halloween candy anyway.

So yes, I'm one of those early shoppers!

According to the National Retail Federation, 49% of Halloween shoppers started shopping in September or earlier this year, compared with 34% in 2016.

Think about how Halloween has evolved.

Costumes, elaborate decorations, parties, yard displays, and even costumes for our pets!

In fact, Americans are expected to spend nearly $1 billion dressing up their pets this Halloween! 🐶

And yes, that's my dog Gizmo in this week's Money Trivia graphic! 😂

He's been wearing that same pumpkin costume for years. Apparently, Gizmo and mom doesn't feel the need to keep up with the latest Halloween fashion!

Retailers have gotten pretty good at extending the holiday shopping season and showing us things we didn't even know we wanted.

A little food for thought:

There's nothing wrong with enjoying Halloween and spending money on things we value.

But it's worth asking ourselves:

Are we making intentional spending choices, or are we being influenced by what we're being encouraged to buy?

Sometimes the simplest traditions create the best memories.

Happy Halloween! 🎃

In your corner,

Liz

Source: National Retail Federation, 2026 Halloween Consumer Survey. Spending figures are survey estimates.