Proms can be fun and one of life's special events. But they can also be a drain on individual and family resources if expenses aren't considered.
The costs for attending a prom vary, depending on your location and the financial decisions you make. According to a 2004 North Dakota State University (NDSU) survey, males spent an average of $213 for all prom costs, and females an average of $296.
Deb Pankow, NDSU Extension Service family economics specialist, surveyed 509 students who'd attended a prom.
There are steps young adults can take to lessen prom expenses:
n Make an early plan
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- Talk with parents and friends
- Consider the specific activities and the amount of money you want to spend
- Know who is going to cover what expenses
- Be creative in making prom decisions. Add special touches to make your prom experience unique and low cost. Example: shop consignment stores.
When planning to attend the prom, there are many ways young adults can save money and not over spend. Borrow dresses, shop for sales, use what you have, car pool, etc.
It pays for young adults to follow a prom budget and make wise financial choices, resulting in less stress and more fun.
For additional information and to access a "Prom Spending Planner," visit www.ag .
ndsu.edu/money/PromSpendingPlanner.pdf.
(Becky Hagen Jokela is a family resource management educator with the University of Minnesota Extension Service Regional Center, Cloquet)
