How to avoid busting your budget on back-to-school supplies

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Parents are pulling out all the stops to keep more money in their pockets this back-to-school season.

That means reusing old supplies, only buying the necessities and limiting how much gas they have to burn in order to shop.

This year, the National Retail Federation says families with students in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of about $860 for back-to-school shopping.

"Every time I'm doing the back-to-school, it's something new, something different, and unfortunately, it's more expensive even though we're getting the same exact things," parent Vianca Martinez said.

Stephanie Carls, a retail insights expert with RetailMeNot, says beyond the new clothes and shoes, required school supplies can cost a chunk of change.

"This is like the little sneaky budget busters for families," Carls said.

She says families can help reduce costs by purchasing store brand items, making a list and sticking to it and splitting the cost with others.

"Buy in bulk and split the cost with friends," Carls said.

Families can split lunch snacks they buy in bulk from Costco or Sam's Club.

They can buy supplies in big numbers through Amazon Bulk.

Carls says every family should also split their list into three layers.

First are the must-haves for day one.

"So thinking supplies, shoes, uniforms, backpack," Carls said.

Then, things you can buy soon.

"These are going to be tech accessories, lunch gear, any replacement items," Carls said.

And, finally, things you can wait to purchase until they go on sale.

"These would be jackets, hoodies, some of those different extras, and so that structure is going to help avoid that budget panic as you're helping to prep for the new school year," Carls said.

She said don't forget to stack your savings.

Look for promo codes and rewards through individual store reward programs or through online sites like RetailMeNot.

You can also ask about whether or not a store price matches their competitors -- all ways to help keep costs down.

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