No back to school series would be complete without a post on school supplies!

You should start with the school supply list if one is available. Many schools now post supply lists on their websites. You can also call the school office and see if one is available. Note that many schools have limited office hours during the summer.

With or without a list, you can be on the lookout for basics like pens, pencils, folders, erasers, scissors, crayons, and highlighters. Don’t just look at the big box stores for deals. Check out other possible sources like craft stores, drug stores, and office supply stores. When you find a really good deal, don’t be afraid to stock up. Folders and pencils don’t go bad. And back to school prices are usually the lowest prices of the year. (I buy my writing notebooks during the back to school sales and get enough to last the whole year!)

Things to keep in mind:

• If you need to make a big purchase — like a laptop — check to see if your state plans a tax-free week. Many states lift sales tax for a week during the back to school shopping season. Don’t use this as an excuse to buy things you don’t need. A reduction of $50 on a $1000 unnecessary purchase is NOT saving.
• The beginning of school is not a good reason for a whole new wardrobe. It is a good reason to go through drawers and closets and see what still fits and is in good condition. And remember — hand-me-downs are just recycling clothes. It’s not cheap. It’s green!
• If you don’t have a child in school and you can afford it, consider buying an inexpensive backpack and filling it with basic school supplies. Donate it to a local school for the benefit of kids who can’t afford supplies.
• Join the #clearthe list movement. The average teacher spends $479 of her/his own money to provide classroom supplies. If you want to help out, search #clearthelist on Twitter. You’ll see posts from teachers with links to their Amazon wish lists. Just choose something off the list and send it along.