Household budgets are tight for many Americans. Yet, we
still will spend a pretty penny to spiff up the home for the fall and winter
holidays.
A recent poll from the National Retail Federation estimates
that Halloween enthusiasts will spend $8.4 billion getting ready for the yearly
fall holiday. That comes out to almost $83 per shopper and almost $10 more per
shopper than last year. The estimate includes decorations, candy and the always
popular costumes, which many people shop for in physical stores and online.
US Media Studios also notes from the survey that Americans
spent more than $626 billion dollars in 2015 on winter holiday preparations.
Meanwhile, it’s reported that we spend almost $76 billion dollars on back to
school and college shopping, with Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day and Easter
following in that order.
Fall and winter household expenses for home repair and
preparation for cold weather should start now before the cold blast of winter air
arrives. Check all windows and doors for leaks with special devices found in hardware
stores. A candle or cigarette lighter
also works to check for air leaks. Caulk leaky window areas and add padding
around the door frame. Run ceiling fans in the opposite direction to move cold
air up and warm air down. Use the schedule function on thermostats as it saves
electricity.
Fall is a great season to sleep with windows open a bit to
enjoy the cooler air at night. If at all possible, it is also nice to open the
doors and let fresh in and stale air out. This is assuming there are screen
doors to keep closed.
Another way to save money on fall and winter household expenses
is to bring out all holiday decorations and sort through them. Throw old ratty
decorations and take stock of what is left and usable. Be creative and put
Halloween costumes together from what wardrobe in the closet. Dig deep. There may be some goodies in there!
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| Everyone likes to dress up for Halloween |
