How to Save $$$ on Back to School Essentials

Hey Mom and Dad - are you secretly counting the days until school starts?

Although it's been great to have the kids at home, the first day of school can't come fast enough for some.

But then there's the next money headache - the cost of school supplies.

From clothing to school supplies, there's a long list of items for a parent to purchase - and if there's any way to save a few dollars, everyone is looking for the discount.

To make sure your star student has all that's needed and the credit card bill doesn't make you weep, make a list.
Now with list in hand:

1. Look around the house - many families have supplies such as pens, pencils, tape, paper, notebooks, and other accessories that can be used for this semester. And not every year is a new backpack or lunchbox needed, so consider putting school items in a storage container at the end of the year to easily find it for the new year.

2. Become a flyer addict - whether it's paper flyers from the weekend newspaper or e-flyers arriving on the desktop, look through the back to school promotions to see what's available, compare prices and what would suit your student's needs.

3. Visit the dollar store - for basic items, the dollar store is the perfect option - especially for arts and crafts supplies to supplies needed for class projects, it can provide a budget-friendly spot for those items that don't need to be a particular brand.

4. Pass it on down - look for ways to save items for the younger set - whether its to share among family or friends, secondhand can be just as good. For discounted items, consider visiting the website of a local community college or university for students selling off their books and other expensive items.

5. Know your retailer - don't just think of big box retailers such as WalMart or Staples - consider buying bulk items at places like Costco, a way to split items and costs with others or for older teens and college students, who may also need additional living items for the dorm room.

6. Wait a few weeks - is there a need to buy everything at the end of August? Buy the minimum to make it through the first month or two, and wait for items to go on sale to get the better deal and spread out costs to the budget over a period of time.