Picture Keeper: Tips for Smart Back-to-School Shopping

It's that time of the year again!

Time to think about Back To School shopping. For many of us...a collective ugh was your response. Back to school shopping can be a pocket book breaker and the more kids you have, the worse it gets!

Here are some tips and links to help you with your BTS shopping and more!!

Unclutter your closets....

Does it seem like your child outgrows his clothes every season? Instead of tossing out the too-small tees and jeans and hitting the mall, try organizing a clothing swap with friends and neighbors, preferably those with kids of varying ages. You’ll update his wardrobe while clearing out your closets — and saving money.

Reuse and revamp what you already have....

Many school supplies can have a second life, such as backpacks, binders, folders, and even pens. If a notebook has been only lightly used, tear out the marked-up sheets of paper and have your child decorate the cover with stickers, stencils, or colorful paper to give it a fresh look. Does your child's backpack have a lifetime warranty? Some companies like Jansport will repair broken zippers or replace damaged backpacks for free.

Be a coupon clipper...

Keep an eye out for sales and deals advertised in the newspaper and online. Stores will try to lure you in with their promotions in the hopes that you'll buy everything there, discounted or not. Be sure to stick to the bargain items — if something is not on your list, just say no.

Dig into discounts at dollar stores...

Substantial savings abound at your local dollar store. Scissors, glue, erasers, rulers, crayons, and more can be purchased for far less than at chain or office supply stores. And you'll find that many of the items are the same familiar name brands.