trick or treat

The world of personal finance is a lot like Halloween: Filled with treats if you're good (and clever), but rife with tricks if you're not careful. Here's some advice that will keep your money tree from getting TPed, and help you bring home a pumpkin full of sweet rewards.

Preparing for a gaggle of goblins to knock at your door this Halloween? You're hardly alone. Even during these tough economic times, consumers are still shelling out big for Halloween candy. Here are some tips on how to dole out the treats without getting tricked on price.

Halloween spending is expected to grow 3.9% in 2010 to $6.2 billion, a rebound from a disappointing 2009. Given the scary economy, laughing at the ghouls and goblins of Halloween is a good way to blow off steam.