According to the National Retail Federation, back-to-school shopping costs each family an average of $875 per year. This includes school supplies, clothing, shoes, and electronics. The average cost per child is estimated to be around $586. So how can you stock up on supplies without breaking your budget?

Reuse Last Years Items

Start at home, go through what you have left over from last year, including clothing. Use the same backpack and lunchbox if they are still in good condition. Many school supplies are reusable. If clothes and shoes still fit and are in good condition mix and match them with a few new items to expand kid’s wardrobes.

Make a List

Once you receive your schools supply list cross off the items you already have and then buy only what you need. Retailers target customers with ads and special offers but if you don’t need the item don’t buy it, stick to your list.

Shop the Discount Stores First

Start shopping at the least expensive stores first, you might be able to find all the supplies you need at the Dollar Store.

Research Student Discounts

Many retailers offer special discounts for students. You can find discounts on tech gear, clothing, dorm supplies, phone plans, and even online subscriptions.

Shop Sales & Clearance

Look for sales that often happen right before school starts or at the end of the school year. End of season sales are a great time to buy clothing and other supplies. If you plan ahead, you can buy items when they are on sale and have them on hand when school starts.

Sign up For Loyalty & Reward Programs

Most major retailers offer reward and loyalty programs. Sign up to receive discounts each time you shop.

Consider Secondhand Clothing

Consider buying secondhand at thrift stores, garage sales and the Goodwill. Start there and buy what you can, then shop sales for new items. You can also swap kids clothes with family and friends.

Shop Sales for Shoes

Shoes are expensive and considering most kids outgrow the shoes before they are worn out paying top dollar does not make sense. Buy shoes when they are on sale, often you can find the best deals online at places like Zappos or Amazon. Sort shoes by cost, lowest to highest and only buy shoes that offer free shipping and returns.

Buy in Bulk

If you or a friend or family member have a membership at Costco, Sams Club or another membership warehouse team up and buy supplies in bulk then split the cost. You can do this at other stores as well.

Use Cash Back Credit Cards

Use credit cards that offer cash back on every purchase. You are going to be spending the money anyway, so you might as well reap the benefits of these cards. Just be sure to pay them off in full before the due date to avoid paying interest and late fees.

Watch for Coupons

Many retailers publish coupons in the local newspaper and send them out in mailings especially around back to school shopping time. You can also find coupons online.

Shop During Tax Free Holidays

Many states offer tax-free holidays during the back-to-school season. Plan your shopping around these dates to save on sales tax.

Shop Stores That Price Match

Some stores will price match if you find a better deal somewhere else. Office Depot, Staples, Kohl’s, Walmart, Lowes, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Target are a few stores who offer this shopping benefit.

Buy Items That Will Last Longer

Try to buy items that will last for more than just a year. Some clothing items, sports equipment, boots and shoes and school supplies can last a few years. Teach kids to take care of what they have.

Don’t Pay for New Sporting Equipment & Instruments

Sports gear and musical instruments are expensive, instead of buying new shop for used. Many communities have stores that sell used equipment. Online you can try sites like Play it Again Sports, Facebook Marketplace, Music Go Round and Reverb. These sites sell and buy used gear and instruments. There are many others like them. Also check with the school who may have suggestions on where to acquire pre-owned equipment.

Limit Extracurricular Activities

It’s okay to set a limit on extracurricular activities. Look at your budget and decide what you can afford and then let your kids know what their limit is.

Open a Back-to-School Savings Account

Open a savings account specifically for back-to-school shopping and deposit money into the account all year, when its time for school shopping you will have enough saved to cover the costs without straining your budget.