Oct 24, 2023

Question of the Day: What percent of Americans say Halloween is worth going into debt for?

Going into debt for Halloween might sound like a nightmare, but a scary number of people are willing to do it!

 

Answer: 20% (1 in 5)

 

Two jack-o-lanterns lit up in the dark. 

Questions:

  • Why might some individuals think it’s worth going into debt for a one-day event like Halloween?
  • How might societal or peer pressure influence spending habits, especially around holidays and special events?
  • How does the commercialization of holidays influence our spending behaviors?
  • What are some alternative ways to celebrate Halloween without spending a large amount of money?

 

Click here for the ready-to-go slides for this Question of the Day that you can use in your classroom.

 

Behind the Numbers (WalletHub):

  • Inflation Still Haunts Us: 34% of people think inflation is the scariest thing about Halloween this year.
  • Financial Nightmares Are Common: 47% of Americans say they have nightmares about money problems.
  • Money Fears Grip the Youth: 70% more Americans between the ages of 18 and 29 say they have nightmares about money problems, compared to Americans who are 60+ years old.
  • Spooky Priorities: Nearly 1 in 5 Americans say Halloween is worth going into debt for.
  • Halloween Spending Decline: 77% of people say they plan to spend less on Halloween this year than last year.
  • Biggest Financial Fear: 27% of Americans say not having enough retirement savings is their biggest financial fear, and another 27% of Americans say it's an unplanned emergency.
  • Tricky Reputation: More than 2 in 3 people think credit cards are a trick rather than a treat.

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Looking for more spooky statistics? Check out our past Halloween-themed blog posts.

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NGPF's Managing Credit unit will help keep your students from being haunted by overwhelming debt.

 

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About the Author

Ryan Wood

Ryan is the Partnerships and Adoption Manager for Next Gen Personal Finance’s midwest region. He brings his experience as a former teacher, curriculum designer, and sales and marketing professional to state organizations and school districts in supporting the implementation of their personal financial education efforts. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and earned his teaching credential from Saint Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota. He proudly taught at two rural high schools in Wisconsin before transitioning to curriculum design at NGPF, and is now excited to be on the front lines in delivering the best possible financial education in the midwest. He and his wife have three beautiful daughters, each of which inspire him to share the impact of being sound financial stewards both at home and as lifelong learners.

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