Shop Smart for Back-to-School

Week of August 18, 2008

There are smart ways to manage back to school spending. Here are five tips for parents: (1) save money on necessities that your children need by looking for deals on the must-haves as early as possible; (2) take an inventory of what you family already owns that can still be used; (3) create a budget and stick to it; (4) shop on the sales-tax-free days available in 14 states and the District of Columbia; (5) compare stores by searching weekly circulars and the Internet for discounts. Many stores offer online-only specials and free shipping.

To learn more about personal finances, visit the Military.com Finance Center.