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Shopping for school supplies can be brutal on the budget. When I was in high school I remember looking through every flyer trying to find out who had the best deals. I wanted to get the best value for the money. It can still be done today with a little preparation you can make your money go further. Subscribe to Type-A Mom articles

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Here’s how you can find the best deals.

1) Find out what supplies you need first. Call the school to find out if they have a list of things that are required to be bought for school.

2) Look at the supplies left over from last year. Can any of it be reused?

3) Before you hit any store be sure to make a list first. It’s easy to stray and buy things you don’t need.

4) Check out flyers to see if any particular store has the items on sale.

5) Find durable items. If you buy all really cheap items that are going to break in a month, it’s not worth it.

6) Try to shop with each of your children separately. You won’t be so overwhelmed this way.

7) During the year try to stock up on school supplies when you see them on sale. Then put them somewhere where you will remember for next year.

8) Find the discount or clearance sections at the Dollar Store, Wal mart, Target and Office Depot. You can find notebooks, pencils, etc at way cheaper prices.

9) Garage sales are a great place to look. They usually sell book bags, notebook paper, pencils and sometimes dictionaries.

10) Instead of buying the kids lunches everyday buy lunch items in bulk and then split them with a friend. Pudding cups, yogurt and snack cakes freeze really good.

11) Teach your child to take care of their things. This way they won’t have to be replaced half way through the year.