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7 last-minute DIY Halloween costumes

Know what’s really scary? Having the same Halloween costume as everybody else.

Sometimes, the most creative outfits that clinch the office costume contest are crazy cheap. Put down the cat ears, step away from the bed sheet, and read on for affordable (yet original) Halloween costumes you can make yourself this year, while sticking to your budget.

Cruella de Vil

If she doesn't scare you no evil thing will… I’m sharing this years halloween costume on laurenconrad.com today

A post shared by Lauren Conrad (@laurenconrad) on Oct 19, 2017 at 6:45am PDT

7 last-minute DIY décor ideas for your spooky soiree

This Halloween, don’t be afraid to deck out your house for a spooky soiree. You just need to get a little creative … and crafty.

The Cashlorette’s 2017 Price of Fright index reveals the spooky amount that shoppers are spending on Halloween this year. The price of a typical shopping basket of Halloween items—including two bags of chocolates, kid costumes, festive décor and a pumpkin—is a whopping $155.96, which is a 37-cent spike since last year.

Why buy tricks and treats from a store, when you could do a little DIY for so much less? Get in the scary spirit without spending a frightening amount of money. I’ve rounded up a few of my fave décor ideas that won’t spook your budget!

Pretty Patterned Pumpkins

Halloween deals and discounts at Chipotle, IHOP and more

You’ve got your costume, candy and spooky squad all geared up for the scariest day of the year: Halloween. But before you start bobbing for apples, grab your boos and pick your poison. Everywhere from Chipotle to IHOP is hooking you up with devilish deals.

On Oct. 31, many popular chains are handing out sweet deals and discounts, often just by showing up in costume! Be sure to get in on all the frightening, frugal fun. Here are some standout deals that have already been announced, and this list will be updated as more roll out.

Treats > Tricks.

Devilish Deals for Halloween

Baskin-Robbins: Offering $1.50 scoops (any size) on Oct. 31.

The 9 do’s and don’ts of borrowing money

Whether it’s your BFF’s new blouse or boots, chances are, you’ve done some borrowing in your life. Now, you might know the rules when it comes to stealing her swag (staining a shirt = getting it dry-cleaned), but do you know the do’s and don’ts of borrowing money from the bank?

Whether you need to borrow money for school or a car, there are some rules you’ve got to stick to if you want to be the best borrower you can be.

Borrowing do’s

Do still save

Even if you’re still trying to pay down that debt (get it, girl!), you’ve gotta still save if you want to stay in good financial shape. If you don’t have an emergency fund established, and something happens that you need to pay off STAT, you’ll get stuck having to borrow even more. Around and around we go.

What Are You Worth?

Calculate your net worth.

Step 1:

Add what you own.

Step 2:

Subtract what you owe.

$150K retirement accounts + $350K home value + $100K savings account = $600K

$600K – $30K credit cards – $230K mortgage – $40K car loans = $300K

Knowing your net worth equals financial progress.

Check out Bankrate’s net worth calculator!

The post What Are You Worth? appeared first on Cashlorette.

See how one single woman from Michigan spends her $40K salary

In this recurring series, young women from all over the country are coming clean about how they’re actually managing their money, honey! For one week, the confessor tracks all of her transactions, shedding light on how much she spends and saves. I’m breaking down her budget, helping her find areas where she can improve and giving her props when she makes great money moves. Want to volunteer as a Cash Confessor? To spill your spending and saving secrets, slide into my Twitter DMs @thecashlorette!

Age: 24
Location: Lansing, Michigan
Occupation: Legislature
Annual Salary: $40,000
Take-home paycheck amount/frequency: $1,269 twice a month
Married or Single: Single
Number of roommates: 1

What is an annuity?

Grabbing drinks with the girls after work tonight? Get ready to dazzle them with your on-point knowledge of this big financial product, since you’re a money-savvy millennial. Today, I’m talking (and you’re becoming an expert on) annuities.

Need to snag your squad’s attention? Kick-off your annuity convo by telling them that annuities offer GUARANTEED INCOME FOR LIFE.

When you own an an annuity, you’ll receive a series of periodic payments after paying an initial, lump sum. They can be used to provide a steady stream of income throughout retirement, acting as a type of paycheck replacement.

The Savings Game

The Savings Game

1. Which of these ISN’T a type of retirement plan?
A. 401(k)
B. Annuity
C. Roth IRA

2. About how many months of expenses should an emergency fund be able to cover?
A. Up to 7 months
B. Up to a year
C. Up to 3 months
D. Up to a year and half

3. What percentage does the average American save from their income?
A. 1%
B. 5%
C. 10%
D. 3%

4. If your credit score is ___ or higher, you have a good credit score.
A. 700
B. 630
C. 750
D. 710

5. What are some big financial vices that millennials can cut back on?
A. Coffee
B. Eating out
C. Shopping
D. All of the above

Click your way to more cash by taking easy online surveys

The following post contains affiliate links for which The Cashlorette may receive compensation when a user clicks on those specific links or makes a purchase after clicking on those links. The products and/or services referenced and linked on this post are made at the sole discretion of the author, and the compensation received will never influence the content, topics or posts made in this blog.

Feeling pinched between paychecks because you’ve spent a little too much money on PSLs this season? Start earning some extra cash without leaving the coziness of your casa.

Your credit report is viewed by more people than you may think

If you’re like me, you probably feel a bit pressured to present the best version of yourself on almost any platform, whether it’s through a perfectly polished resume or an aesthetically on-point Insta.

But instead of obsessing over your social feeds (no judgment), take a sec to reflect on your credit report. Everyone from landlords to lenders is sneaking a peek, and the fate of your financial future could be in jeopardy if that report is in shambles.

Here’s exactly who’s creeping on your credit.

Landlords

Your landlord likely cares less about how many nails you put in the wall trying to hang a picture (happens to all of us, mkay?), and more about whether you’ll be able to make rent. They’ll take a look at your credit report because it gives a good snapshot as to what type of renter you’ll be.