PRESS RELEASE

Dallas - October 20, 2009 - According to the National Retail Federation's 2009 Halloween Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, the average consumer is expected to spend $56.31 this year on Halloween, compared to $66.54 last year. While spending is expected to be down, Halloween can still easily spook your budget.

"We are seeing consumers cutting back everywhere they can, but we are still worried that the holiday season will only create more debt for consumers who are already struggling," said Todd Mark, vice president of education for Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Dallas (CCCS of Greater Dallas). "We are focusing our education on how to live frugally during this recession, and there are so many ways to do that when it comes to Halloween."

CCCS of Greater Dallas warns shoppers of scary spending mistakes that can spook you when money is already tight.

1. Avoid getting buried six feet under in debt. Halloween can be enjoyed without going into debt if you plan carefully. Start with a budget that includes each and every item you'll need for Halloween. From pumpkins and spider webs to candy for trick or treaters and cute candy buckets, the small items can add up quickly. Stick to your budget by shopping sales and thrift stores, and making everything you can rather than buying new.

2. Watch what you spend on spooky décor. From blow up yard decorations to fancy lights and candy dishes, the cost of Halloween décor can truly be death to your budget. Shop thrift stores, or search online sites for do-it-yourself ideas. And for next year's décor, shop Halloween decorations on November 1 to find great deals on items that didn't sell before the holiday.

3. Don't let little goblins talk you into spending too much. Children's costumes have become extremely complex and very expensive over the years. Most parents can remember making their costumes as a kid. It was part of the Halloween tradition and a fun activity for parent and child. There are several sites out there with free patterns. Check out http://www.ehow.com/how_5413910_make-inexpensive-halloween-costumes-kids.html or http://www.goodwillnj.org/halloween/make-costume.html If your children are buying store costumes this year, give them a budget and help them come up with creative ways to get everything thing they need.

4. Don't be tricked into buying expensive treats. Halloween candy can add up quickly when you consider the big variety packs cost $8-$15 a bag. Forgo the expensive chocolate bars, or buy in bulk and split the cost with a friend or relative. Many online retailers also have other Halloween treats for a fraction of the cost. OrientalTrading.com has 72-packs of Halloween tattoos for $2.99 to $4.99 each, and you can hang onto leftovers for next year without worrying about expiration dates.

5. Forgo the high-end haunts. Haunted houses and amusement parks can be very expensive - easily burning $100 or more for the average family. Many churches, schools and community groups host fall festivals or Halloween carnivals at no or very low cost to attendees. Pumpkin patches, costume contests and even group trick-or-treating events are available in most communities and won't spook your budget.

6. Prevent a pricey party. Hosting a party can be extremely expensive. To avoid spending a fortune, you can start off by sending electronic invitations for free. Halloween is also the perfect holiday for potluck-style parties. And for adult parties with designated drivers, you can ask guests to BYOB.

"Don't let all of the news on the economy scare you," Mark said. "Halloween can be affordable if you plan well. From free carnivals to do-it-yourself costumes and decorations, families can still have plenty of fun this season."

For more information on free budget and debt counseling, or about our free financial education, visit www.cccs.net or call (800) 249-2227.

About CCCS of Greater Dallas
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Dallas, Inc. is a nonprofit, community based credit counseling and debt management service. Established in 1974, CCCS of Greater Dallas and its affiliate offices provide financial education and counseling to consumers in-person, by phone, or Internet through their 24 locations in four states. CCCS of Greater Dallas is a HUD approved housing counselor and serves as one of eight counseling agencies supporting the 888-995-HOPE Hotline. The agency is also a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), the nation's largest and longest serving national non-profit credit counseling network. To learn more about CCCS of Greater Dallas' free seminars or the agency's services, visit www.cccs.net.