Parenting Money Sense: Back-To-School Shopping Season Begins! How Parents Can Become Smarter And Savvy Consumers

Back-to-school season is almost here and retails stores are already putting up their special items and teasers for sales and deals. However, parents need to be discerning when it comes to spending for back-to-school items. Next to the Christmas holidays, back-to-school is also a time for many expenses.

So, how can parents become smart consumers during back-to-school season? Below are some guides and tips to make this a breeze this year.

Retail stores kick off back-to-school shopping as early as July and many shoppers might notice that sale signs are already up at some stores. The early start gives parents more time to shop, which is a great idea as it eliminates going through long lines at the payment counters.

"Right now is when you have all the good selections," said Jackie Suarez, who has started back-to-school shopping already, per ABC. She avoids late shopping because "the end is when it gets messy."

85% of parents plan on using a smartphone for back-to-school shopping. @Retale  https://t.co/q8geQX1i5H

— WPMediaInsights (@WPMediaInsights) July 25, 2016

However, the early start doesn't mean mommies and daddies have to jump at the chance to score a discount each time they see a sale sign as this might only lead to overspending. Stores will be rolling out back-to-school deals until September, when school season officially starts, according to Buffalo News. So, there should always be a good deal cropping up, if you know where to look. Parents should remember that stores intend to cash in on this busy season, hence they entice consumers with discounts and other offers to make profit. Be wary of this sale tactic.

Mom Jamie Clark has two children who require two different lists of back-to-school items. She advices for parents with more than one child to not shop in one go because it will only be stressful for the parent and children. "I take them one at a time, make it a special afternoon outing with each of them and that way I can focus on just that one child," she said per WSLS.

Meanwhile, the American Family Association is warning parents who might be shopping for back-to-school clothes for their kids to stay off Target's fitting rooms and restrooms. Target has a unisex fitting and restroom policy and the group warns that this may be eyed by sexual predators, per Charisma News. Be alert and keep an eye on your kids.

Do you have any back-to-school shopping tips to share to our readers? We invite you to share them in the comments section below!