Once again it is almost time for your kids to go back to school. That means it’s time to make sure they have all their supplies and clothing to start the new academic year.

With a little preparation you can make sure your kids have everything they need without spending too much. Here are five tips to help you save money on your back-to-school shopping.

1. See what you already have

Items like pencil cases, scissors, protractors and rulers can all be used over and over again. You may also have some other unused items from previous years. So be sure to check for these items before heading to the store.

2. Download apps and shop online

Most of your favorite stores for back-to-school shopping have apps and online shopping. Check those out for exclusive deals and discounts for online and mobile shoppers. Plus, shopping online can help you avoid impulse purchases at the store.

3. Shop the sales

If you can delay some purchases, wait until your favorite stores have their back-to-school sales. Look for sales on school supplies, as well as on clothes and shoes. Tax-free weekend occurs the first Saturday and Sunday of August each year in Iowa.

4. Find stores that price match

Many stores will price match other retailers. Show them a price from another other store and they will match it. Many of them will even match prices found on Amazon.

5. Don’t forget about extracurriculars

Chances are that your kids will take part in extracurricular activities like sports. For these activities, they may need extra supplies or clothing items. Keep this in mind when shopping so you don’t spend your whole budget without getting those items.

Save more on back-to-school shopping

Back-to-school season is a busy time for families. But when you plan ahead, it can be less expensive.

We have educational tools, resources and templates to help you budget for back-to-school shopping. Check out our financial education page to learn more.