The school bells will be ringing before you know it; which means it's time to think about what your child needs to be ready for the big day. It also means you'll be, once again, trying to send your child to school in style without breaking the bank. If you want to save some money on your back-to-school shopping this year I've got a few thrifty back-to-school shopping strategies that will work for any family.

The best time to start shopping is long before the school bells have started ringing.

Fall Clearance

It might seem a little absurd, but if you want to get some great deals on kids fall fashions, check out the fall clearance racks before the previous school year has even ended. We all know retailers have their racks stocked with summer merchandise before school even lets out, and the fall fashions that didn't sell end up on the clearance racks. Take advantage of these sales now, and you'll have less to purchase when school starts up again. Use this same approach with the summer fashions.

On-line

A great place to shop for book bags, shoes, new or slightly-use clothing are web sites like Ebay and Craig's list. You can save a lot of money, and also knock out a great portion of your back-to-school shopping list in a few clicks of the keyboard. No long lines or impatient shoppers to contend with either. Be sure to shop early to be certain your items arrive before school begins.

Thrift Shops

Years ago there used to be a stigma placed on anyone who shopped at a thrift shop. Thankfully for the consumer's pocket book this way of thinking is all but obsolete. More and more people are realizing the savings of shopping second-hand. They get name brand clothes, shoes and accessories for less than half the original sticker price, and are able to better live within their means. Make it a point to check out the thrift shops in your area before purchasing new.

Back-to-school Sales

You'll probably have to wait until the school bells are almost ready to ring in order to get good back-to-school sales, but their worth the wait and the crowds you'll have to content with. Save bundles on notebooks, pens, markers and a ton of other school supplies at these last minute back-to-school sales. And remember, stock up while the price is right so you won't need to purchase more supplies throughout the school year.

Leave the kids home

Ok, it might not be feasible to leave them home for all of the shopping. After all, what kid doesn't want to choose a few brand new outfits for school? But, we all know how kids have a way of batting their eyes in our general direction, and presto! We're hooked, line and sinker, as we grab for the credit card. If you're a parent who has the backbone of an amoeba (amoebas have NO backbone by the way) then leave the kids home for the majority of the shopping, and you won't set yourself up for financial failure.

Waiting till the last minute to do all your back-to-school shopping isn't really economically prudent if you want to keep most of your money in your wallet. Take advantage of these thrifty back-to-school shopping strategies, and get in the thrifty groove when it comes to all your back-to-school needs.

Learn more about this author, Cyndi Li.
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