Quick Halloween Costumes on a Budget

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Halloween has snuck up on you again, and you can't wear the Maverick from Top Gun costume you've worn year after year. And the new Spiderman costume you've been eyeing may cost you an arm and a leg. In fact, Bankrate.com reports that Halloween costumes will cost between $100 to $400 this year.

It's smart if you decide against buying such an expensive costume. What's more, your own closet has all the components you need to make a great costume. Here are some ideas for your Halloween costume that are free to relatively inexpensive.

  • The Little Old Man -- Dress in an older man's or woman's clothing. A hat is a nice touch. If you don't have a real walking can you can substitute an appropriate size stick. Add some creative face painting with lots of wrinkles. Be sure to add the cracking voice and a prominent limp.
  • The Hobo -- Recycle unwanted clothing. Paint your clothes or sew patches on them. Use black or brown make up to smudge on your face to look unkempt. Sport a tattered hat and some old, hole-riddled shoes and you're good to go!
  • The Graduate -- Wear your old high school graduation cap and gown as a costume. If it doesn't hold too much sentimental value, you can use it to create a very simple, easy costume. You can also create a fake diploma to carry around with you that night.
  • The Witch -- A long black dress or completely black outfit can be combined with a witches hat and black cape.
  • Scarecrow -- Cut up some old jeans and a flannel shirt in scarecrow fashion. Cut sleeve ends and pant legs in strips to look tattered. Use straw or old a straw broom's bristles and glue or tape along inside edges and sleeves. And don't forget your straw hat!

Halloween can be a fun holiday for you and your children, but it shouldn't have to break the bank. Have a safe and Happy Halloween!

For more financial advice, visit Military.com's Finance channel.

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