According to the National Retail Federation (NRF)‘s Back-to-School Spending Survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, the average family with children in grades K-12 plans to spend $630.36 on electronics, apparel and other school needs, down from $669.28 last year. Total spending is expected to reach $24.9 billion. Additionally, indicating the continued growth in the back-to-school arena, families on average have spent 42 percent more on school items over the past 10 years.
The NRF info graphic  shows that back to school spending is still the top retail dollars coming in second only to winter holidays. Keeping that in mind, use these six hacks for your back to school spending this fall.
1. Don’t feel like you have to buy everything at once. Retailers will rotate what items they will highlight as a special. One week, notebooks or shorts. Â The next week, it will be backpacks. Pay attention to the specials and pace yourself.
2. Review what you have before shopping. Â Sorting through your child’s closet is probably not at the top of your list of things to do this summer, but in the end, it will save you time and money.
3. Take advantage of price matching. Â Many retailers will price match other retailers. Find out their policy which may require an ad or other documentation of pricing.
4. Shop Consignment Sales. Children grow so fast that they will typically not wear clothes long enough to wear them out. Consignment sales are a great place to find clothes that are sold for a discounted price. Â Check out Kids Consignment Sale website for the latest sales in your area.
5. Purchase refurbished electronics. Whether you are looking to buy a laptop, iPad, or other devices. By choosing to purchase a refurbished electronic, you can save up to 40% off the retail price and most refurbished electronics come with a warranty as well.
6. Shop on Tax Free Weekend. Tax Free Weekend in Tennessee begins on Friday, August 7th and ends on Sunday, August 9th.
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