Back to School does not have to mean Back to Broke!

As a parent there are a number of things that we know our kids will need for school (even if we don't have the dreaded list, lol). Pencils, pens, spiral notebooks, folders and clothes are all things we know will be needed. Sure enough at this time of year retailers are offering sales on those items. If we are an informed consumer we know that you can get pencils 2/$1, so when Walgreens has them for $.99 we know we can wait (they will get cheaper). Its like playing the stockmarket, but is alot safer. So here are my tips

1. Try not to wait until the last minute - Not only will you be forced to pay whatever price it is at the time, you will also be competing with a gazillion other parents who also chose to wait.
2. KNOW your prices. When you buy a home you examine what the houses around you are going for to make sure you are getting a fair deal that should be applied to life in general.
3. Stockpile the things you need year after year that don't expire (pencils, notebooks, paper, pens). If you stumble on a super sale where you can get a pack of pencils for $.05 buy $1 or $2 worth chances are you will use them and/or give some to friends and family.