MISSOULA – Parents and guardians have to plan for their kids to return to school.

According to RetailMeNot, the top three categories for back-to-school shopping are electronics, clothes and school supplies. The average cost of back-to-school supplies is a little over $1,000 and with 80% of people planning on shopping for one-to-two kids, the final price can add up quickly.

MTN News talked with one Missoula mom to learn how she managed her back-to-school shopping. For mother of three, Chrissy Davis, back-to-school shopping meant planning ahead and starting early.

“So, my usual plan is to go as soon as I start to see school supplies, like in the special section of the stores,” Davis said. “And I feel like the only thing I get overwhelmed about is knowing that they’re going to run out of certain things at the store.”

Davis isn’t alone in spending around $100 on supplies per

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KARE 11’s Jennifer Austin, a self-proclaimed “Clearance Shopping Queen,” gives advice on how to thrift your way through your back-to-school shopping list.

MINNEAPOLIS — My mother gave me many pieces of advice as she was raising me, but maybe none so engrained into my being as this: Never pay retail.

After years of practice scouring clearance racks, thrift store aisles, and discount shops, here are some of my tips for scoring a back-to-school deal:

Thrifting can be a lot of work. It can take many stops, and hours spent, before you find what you want at a price you’re willing to pay.

Buying preowned items online is a lot easier. I’ve gotten many deals on eBay and Postmark. I find that these two places work best when you have a very specific item you’re looking for. Example: A blue Nike windbreaker size 5T.

The search results can get a tad

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KENTWOOD, Mich. (WOOD) — In just a few days, schools across West Michigan will be back in session for many students. With back to school comes school shopping.

News 8 spoke to the owner of Kid to Kid, Amanda Funnell, on ways parents can save money when school shopping.

“We are really trying to help the community and the families, just by saving them money,” said Funnell.

When back to school shopping, many parents spend a big chunk of change on things like new clothes and school supplies.

“I’m a mother myself, and it’s just so expensive to dress children, especially these days when the kids want all of the Nike and name brands,” said Funnell.

Funell said parents should lean towards resale shops when buying kids’ clothing for school. Prices at her lightly-used clothing store usually range from $1.99 to $6

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