5 Ways to Save on Back-to-School Shopping

With the average family spending some $635 on back-to-school supplies this year, non-profit credit agency CredAbility has money-saving tips for parents getting ready to open their wallets:

Wait for the school supply list

Make a budget and stick to it
Decide how much you will spend on school supplies ahead of time and, if possible, set aside the cash to avoid overspending. If you do use credit cards, have a plan to pay them off quickly to avoid having your school shopping cost even more.

Shop online and at discount retailers
Online shopping is on the rise which means many retailers are offering good online prices for school supplies. Look for free or inexpensive delivery. Outlet stores, big box stores and discount chains can save you money on uniforms, electronics and other school supplies. Check out your neighborhood consignment shops and thrift stores too. Some have designated space for school uniforms and you may get some great bargains.

Network with other parents
Seek out or host a clothing swap online or in your neighborhood; this can be a great way to recycle your gently used items and save money on the things you need this year. Also, research the potential savings of buying school supplies in bulk and splitting the cost with other parents in your area.

Take advantage of sales tax holidays
In many states, parents can enjoy tax-free shopping for many school supplies, helping their back to school budget go a little further. Georgia's tax-free weekend in 2013 is Aug. 9-10. Find out what's on the tax-free list here.