by Melissa Crossley

Created on: August 12, 2009   Last Updated: August 14, 2009

With the economy being as bad as it is, it's important for families to save as much money as possible so that they can get by. As a mother of two boys, I understand how hard that can be, especially when school is right around the corner and money is tight. I am going to share with you some ways that you can get the things you need, and some of what your children want for back to school without going broke.

One: Get a list.

Prepare a basic list of items that your kids will need when school starts. Paper, pencils, pens a backpack and clothes. Some schools provide a list during the first week of items your child will need throughout the year, but it's about saving money, so start your list as early as possible.

Researchers found that people who prepare a list prior to shopping will save a significant amount of money compared to those who go to a store with just a general idea of what they want. *EHow.com*

Two: Know You're Battle Ground:

Be prepared to shop at several different stores while getting your school supplies. Make a list of some dollar stores in your area, Wal-Mart, K-Mart or another comparable store that's close to you. Stay out of high end stores that you would find in the mall, you will not save money by spending sixty dollars on a backpack.

Look through your Junk mail and keep the store circulars that come to you rather than throwing them away. Even if you don't have the patience or the time to cut coupons, glance through them and this will give you an idea of which stores are having back to school sales.

Make a note on your list of which stores you can get which item for less. For example: Wal-Mart is selling pencils and pens for 1.50 but the Dollar Store has the same items for only a dollar. You would then put Dollar Store next to your pencils and pens on your list.Do research on the stores in your area that allow lay-aways. This is a great help for families that are stretched for money. You can put clothes away and make low bi-weekly payments. Make sure that you do this early enough that you are not hurting for money to get them out.

Three: Set a Semi-Flexible Budget:

Sit down and decide how much you're willing to spend on school supplies. Add (if possible) an extra twenty to fifty dollars to your money but Do Not go over that amount.

Four: Have a Family Meeting:

Some children are hell bent on having only the name brand items or they think they will die. It's important to teach your children that status is not as important as who they

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