It’s been a long hot summer and now that it’s August it’s time to leave the cold drinks and lazy afternoons behind and start thinking about getting the kids ready to go back to the classroom.

According to the National Retail Federation’s Back-to-School 2022 survey, families plan to spend a whopping $864, on average, on back-to-school supplies. Among college students and their families, that number jumps to $1,199.

Of course there are plenty of discounts this time of year on backpacks and school supplies, but they are still going to come at a hefty price. It’s important to be savvy when choosing your items so you get the best deals and don’t end up overspending or purchasing any unnecessary products.

Here are some great tips to get the kids ready for school while still pinching pennies.

Find out what you have so you’ll know what you need

For many families starting the school year means a new pair of shoes, at least one new outfit, a new backpack and other supplies. This can be a great back-to-school tradition, but it’s entirely possible that the previous year’s backpack is still serviceable and as fast as kids outgrow shoes their current ones may get you through for a few more months till the colder weather hits. Waiting until the school rush calms down often results in better deals on left over items than you can get than if you shop before school starts.

Take some time early in the month to review your kids closets and supplies. Check existing clothing for needed simple repairs and is stain free and well fitting. Collect old clothes that no longer fit that can be donated to another family or Good Will and make room for any new items you may purchase. Having a cleaned-up wardrobe will also make getting ready for school in the mornings much easier.

Check for school supplies around the house. Last year’s partially used notebooks can have pages removed and become just as useful for this year’s notes. Go around the house and collect pencils and pens in a large bag or box. You may be surprised at how many you have collected over the years that are still in good condition. The same goes for scissors, crayons, colored pencils and many other items. Before you buy new see what you already have laying around. Then make a list of what you still need.

Before shopping deals stop by the local dollar or discount store.

Just about every retailer out there wants a piece of the $31.2 billion dollars in back-to-school spending money for 2023. Focus on discount stores to start crossing things off your list and then move up from there. These items can often be less than the lowest price deals at a regular store. Most dollar stores also carry cardboard, foam core, presentation boards, calculators, sticky notes, wipes, tissues, and other office supplies for when the teacher’s wish list for the classroom comes home in your student’s backpack.

The same applies to clothes. It may not be cool to shop at the clothing thrift shop, but there are often really great clothes to be found at a fraction of the price – and they are already stretched out and comfy! Consider checking around at a couple thrift stores first to fill your list, then you can hit the local Walmart before you try Forever 21. Your wallet will thank you!

Take your search online

Many online retailers have a great clearance section on their site and Amazon almost always has the best price on basic clothing and school supplies. It’s also easy to search for that perfect top or winter jacket with lots of options to choose from.  If you find a good deal think about getting a few of that item that you can store for use later in the year. For instance, if you find a nice pair of pants you like get one in your student’s current size and one in the next size larger and put it away for later.

Think twice before buying

All of us love the brand new 72 count box of Crayons and can picture it sitting happily on the desk, but more than likely the 12-count box of generic brand will do the job just as well. The same thing goes for designer jeans, fancy pens, or the latest calculator. Sure they would be awesome to have, but do you really NEED them? Consider what you need the item for, if it will last you for a while and how often it will be used. Stick to the basics as much as possible and when your list is complete then decide not to add anything more.

Watch for Student Discounts

Many companies like Apple, Adobe, Microsoft, American Eagle and other stores offer student discounts with an ID. Do some research before you buy and it may save you hundreds of dollars in the long run.

Beware of student fees

After all the back-to-school shopping is done there are still more expenses waiting. Depending on the area where you live, your student’s school may charge fees for participation in clubs or extra-curricular classes and sometimes even for school supplies. These are typically for middle and high schools, but they can also range into the hundreds of dollars. Then there’s also PTA memberships, school ‘spirit’ wear, and other fundraisers not to mention the teacher’s classroom needs list. Later on there will be school lunch fees, field trip fees and class project fees.

You can often find a list of required school fees on the school’s website earlier and can start saving in advance for these costs. In many districts it’s also possible to waive these fees depending on your income and the local cost of living index. Be sure to understand your rights when it comes to Title 1 schools, the income index, and waived fees.

Books can be expensive

Whether you’re looking for a children’s workbook or your kid’s college text books there are lots of options for used and second-hand books. Check out the used book section on Amazon, try Abebooks.com, shop at a local second-hand book store or go and get a library card. Many neighborhoods are also putting out “little libraries” around town where you can share books. All of these are great options for your kid’s next read-a-thon book.

For used and after-market college text books you can check out campusbooks.com, chegg.com, ebay.com or textbooks.com. Finding digital copies of books is often much cheaper as well. You can also visit your campus library, they typically have copies you can use.

Even saving a little is worth it

As you begin the back-to-school shopping season be sure to keep an eye out for great deals and coupons for the items on your list and shop smarter not harder. Raising kids isn’t cheap, but preparing them for school doesn’t have to break the bank. It can also be turned into a great saving’s lesson for your kids.