Are you ready for Halloween this year?

Halloween is big business for bars, taverns, and costume retailers, of course. This year, the National Retail Federation says Americans will spend $8 billion on the holiday, most of it on costumes.

Yet out of 300+ million Americans, how many people will celebrate Halloween? Just a little more than half at 170 million people -- though you would think it would be more.

The average amount spent on a costume will be $28. I bought mine on clearance for 90% off after Halloween one year and it's an old-time convict's outfit with the black-and-white stripes. We already celebrated this past weekend with our children. The kids love it. Some people object to Halloween on religious grounds, but others think it's just a good excuse for fun.

Meanwhile, are people buying more Romney masks or more Obama masks this year? Obama has a 60-40 lead. Of course, these results have no bearing on what will happen come Election Day!