Halloween is a spending priority, but the real priority is debt

The story

Americans are expected to spend a record $13.5 billion on Halloween, with one in four people planning to go into debt, especially among Gen Z and parents.

Source: fortune.com

Our reading

The National Retail Federation says Halloween is a spending priority, but the real priority is making sure people can afford it—by going into debt. The report claims people are being ‘affordable’ by cutting back on decor and candy, but the real cost is borrowed money, not just cash.

It’s a strange kind of affordability where you save money by borrowing it. The idea that you can stretch your budget by starting early and shopping at discount stores is a bit like saying you can eat less by eating more of the same thing.

So the next time you see a kid in a costume, remember: that joy came from someone else’s credit card.