School doors will be opening soon, welcoming students back to the classroom. Kids will probably be more excited than their parents because the return to school means they get all the new stuff they need to perform in the classroom. The new clothes, shoes, book sacks, notebooks, and supplies all add financial stress to their parent's wallets. There is, however, some resolve to spending small fortunes when shopping for your kids' back-to-school necessities. Experts advise parents to create a budget and shopping gameplan. Parents should develop a realistic budget, make a shopping plan, research, plan a shopping strategy, then shop. But, remember to stick to the budget no matter what happens.

Below are steps to getting your budget and shopping gameplan in order:

• Step One: Determine a realistic budget for clothing and supplies based on the school?s requirements. Make certain the money is available.
• Step Two: Identify stores you will visit. Consider their merchandise quality, their selection, price, and even service. Check sales papers and advertisements.
• Step Three: Visit the stores you have selected to review the merchandise and prices; have the kids try on some items to determine fit. Do not make any purchases on this visit.
• Step Four: Decide what will be purchased from where and for what amount. Write down your strategy.
• Step Five: Return to the stores later, with or without the kids, and make your purchases. Make sure you know how you will spend the money (credit, cash, or check) and make certain the money is available. Do your best not to exceed your budgeted amount.

1. Make a list and stick to it. To avoid wasting time and energy, make a list of the items you want and the stores you plan to shop to find the items.
2. Bring printed advertisements. This is the time to be aware of advertised prices because most stores will match their competitors advertised prices of the same merchandise in order to get your business. Have the advertisement or coupon in hand as your proof to show the cashier.
3. Budget your money. Do not get caught up in the excitement of tax-free shopping and spend all of your money. Develop a basic budget and try to stick to it. This will help you avoid buying more than you really need. Remember, just because it is tax-free does not mean it is free. You are still spending money just not paying taxes.
4. Bring cash or debit card. Tax-free shopping usually means busy ATM machines. If cash is your choice of payment, then go to the bank before you go to the stores and have money available. Besides, stopping at the ATM slows down shopping time.
5. Do not over spend. If you stick to the plan in step one and do comparison shopping research prior to hitting the stores, you should stay within your budget. A smart shopper will not be easily tempted to spend more than budgeted. Expert shopper Donna Montaldo says ?It is not how much can one buy, but how much of what is needed can one buy at a good price and without going over budget.? A smart shopper will be pleased with their purchases at the end of the day, especially if they stayed within their budget.
6. Check stores for extended hours. Maximize during your tax-free shopping by taking advantage of extended store hours. Avoid the peak shopping times when other shoppers are out. Shop either early or late to avoid crowds and long lines. Check with stores prior to the tax-free shopping days for information on extended store hours.

• Shop all year! Buy items on sale when you see them and store them away until next year.
• Dive into the super discount bins at discount stores such as the Dollar Store, Wal-Mart, Target, Walgreens and Office Depot. You will find savings on school supplies and even socks and underwear year-round.
• Buy basic clothing off the sale rack that your child will grow into. Do not buy trendy fashions because they will go out of style before your child grows into them. Basic clothing never goes out of style.
• Anticipate growth spurts. Consider buying items like pants and jackets one size larger, so that it can last throughout the school year and maybe into the following year.
• Avoid shopping at department stores that price children?s clothing at the same price points as adult clothing. If you are a department store shopper, try shopping at those stores during major sale events and end-of-the-season sales.
• Shop early. Stores like Wal-Mart and Target really cater to back-to-school shoppers on a budget, as a result, their stock of school uniforms and supplies sell quickly. Late June and early July are good times to browse and price new merchandise. Consider purchasing needed items. During these months you will find a number of sales racks that will provide great choices for basics such as underwear, socks, t-shirts, pants, and shorts for school.

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