Save $$ on Back-to-School Supplies

As a kid, I always wanted brand new stuff every single school year. Now that I'm an adult, I can see the strain that must have put on my parents. Here are a few tips for saving money on your kiddos' school supplies:

Take advantage of tax-free days. Click here to see if any exist in your state.

Shop secondhand. If your children are obsessed with having stuff that's "new," well, leave the little ones at home. They'll (hopefully) never notice the difference.

Befriend your local dollar store. The stuff's new and it's cheap, too.

Don't overspend on technology. Computers are becoming a necessity for most older students -- just make sure you don't buy one that is too powerful. Likewise, don't underspend on a computer that does not meet the needs of your child. A new MacBook for a third-grader is overkill, but a college-bound young adult with an eye on a graphics-art degree might need the horsepower.

For more ideas, click here to read the full article.

via msn smart spending blog. image via here.