The lazy days of summer are in full swing ... which can only mean one thing.
Back-to-school shopping--the second-biggest retail season--is officially underway.
According to the National Retail Federation, the average family plans to spend around $630 for electronics, apparel and other necessities this school season.
That's right--we're talking some serious cash.
And if you're like most harried parents, you'll probably just end up heading to a big-box store at the last minute to pick up everything at once--and be done with it.
Or you could do your homework and get better bang for your back-to-school spending buck by being a bit more strategic.
Case in point: Many states have tax-free shopping days (see this handy chart) that coincide with back-to-school shopping season.
So to help set you up, and your budget, for success, we've created a week-by-week buying guide in the countdown to September. With this game plan, you'll be able to spread your spending across several paychecks--while also nabbing the best deals.
What to Buy the First Week of August
Set your sights on ... Big-ticket computer and tech items
Why now? According to Brent Shelton, an online shopping expert and author of a monthly "when to shop" newsletter for FatWallet.com, back-to-school sales on laptops and tablets trump even those offered on Black Friday.
To get a retail advantage ... Check to see if you have an ID (student, teacher, military--anything!) that can help you score extra savings.
It's also a good idea to kick off your back-to-school shopping by checking out sites like RetailMeNot, ShopSavvy, KrazyCouponLady and CouponCabin that scour the web looking for deals and coupons to use in-store and online.
Another savvy way to save? Download your favorite retailers' apps, which often offer mobile-exclusive coupons. And consider signing up for their newsletters too--many will send discount codes to use while shopping and even texts with coupons.
RELATED: 9 Back-to-School Savings Tips from Real Parents
What to Buy the Second Week of August
Set your sights on ... Clothes and accessories
Why now? Some of the biggest back-to-school discounts are offered on shirts, jeans and shoes around this time, says Shelton, because apparel retailers want to incentivize consumers to get back-to-school shopping done while hotter styles, colors and sizes are still in stock.
Bonus tip: If your child has gone Minions crazy, now's the time to snap up those branded items.
According to a RetailMeNot survey, Minions-themed school supplies will be in highest demand (33%), followed by Jurassic World (31%), SpongeBob (24%) and Star Wars (22%) items.
To get a retail advantage ... Consider downloading an app like Shopkick, which will guide you to in-store deals--and help you earn points by shopping at retailers like Macy's and JCPenney.
And don't forget to ask about return and replacement policies, says Trae Bodge, senior lifestyle editor for The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
If you're in the market for a new backpack, for example, Bodge notes that retailers like L.L. Bean and JanSport offer warranties that can come in handy if your child trashes a bag early in the school year.
RELATED: What's Your Cost-Per-Wear? A New Way to Evaluate Your Closet
What to Buy the Third Week of August
Set your sights on ... Notebooks, paper, pens and other back-to-school stationery
Why now? Teri Gault, founder and CEO of The Grocery Game, says discount stores, drugs
Back-to-school shopping--the second-biggest retail season--is officially underway.
According to the National Retail Federation, the average family plans to spend around $630 for electronics, apparel and other necessities this school season.
That's right--we're talking some serious cash.
And if you're like most harried parents, you'll probably just end up heading to a big-box store at the last minute to pick up everything at once--and be done with it.
Or you could do your homework and get better bang for your back-to-school spending buck by being a bit more strategic.
Case in point: Many states have tax-free shopping days (see this handy chart) that coincide with back-to-school shopping season.
So to help set you up, and your budget, for success, we've created a week-by-week buying guide in the countdown to September. With this game plan, you'll be able to spread your spending across several paychecks--while also nabbing the best deals.
What to Buy the First Week of August
Set your sights on ... Big-ticket computer and tech items
Why now? According to Brent Shelton, an online shopping expert and author of a monthly "when to shop" newsletter for FatWallet.com, back-to-school sales on laptops and tablets trump even those offered on Black Friday.
To get a retail advantage ... Check to see if you have an ID (student, teacher, military--anything!) that can help you score extra savings.
It's also a good idea to kick off your back-to-school shopping by checking out sites like RetailMeNot, ShopSavvy, KrazyCouponLady and CouponCabin that scour the web looking for deals and coupons to use in-store and online.
Another savvy way to save? Download your favorite retailers' apps, which often offer mobile-exclusive coupons. And consider signing up for their newsletters too--many will send discount codes to use while shopping and even texts with coupons.
RELATED: 9 Back-to-School Savings Tips from Real Parents
What to Buy the Second Week of August
Set your sights on ... Clothes and accessories
Why now? Some of the biggest back-to-school discounts are offered on shirts, jeans and shoes around this time, says Shelton, because apparel retailers want to incentivize consumers to get back-to-school shopping done while hotter styles, colors and sizes are still in stock.
Bonus tip: If your child has gone Minions crazy, now's the time to snap up those branded items.
According to a RetailMeNot survey, Minions-themed school supplies will be in highest demand (33%), followed by Jurassic World (31%), SpongeBob (24%) and Star Wars (22%) items.
To get a retail advantage ... Consider downloading an app like Shopkick, which will guide you to in-store deals--and help you earn points by shopping at retailers like Macy's and JCPenney.
And don't forget to ask about return and replacement policies, says Trae Bodge, senior lifestyle editor for The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
If you're in the market for a new backpack, for example, Bodge notes that retailers like L.L. Bean and JanSport offer warranties that can come in handy if your child trashes a bag early in the school year.
RELATED: What's Your Cost-Per-Wear? A New Way to Evaluate Your Closet
What to Buy the Third Week of August
Set your sights on ... Notebooks, paper, pens and other back-to-school stationery
Why now? Teri Gault, founder and CEO of The Grocery Game, says discount stores, drugs