A recent survey revealed parents of K-12 and college students will spend $541 on average, for back-to-school supplies and clothing. Plus, 58% of these caregivers planned to use a credit card to cover back-to-school expenses.

Back-to-school season is financially taxing for many parents and caregivers, but it can also be a teachable time for children. Even elementary-school-aged kids can benefit from learning how to budget and save. Look at seven ways parents and kids can reduce back-to-school costs.

1. Use What You Already Have

It’s not uncommon to have carry-over school supplies from the previous year. Lightly used and leftover items from the last academic year such as binders, pens, highlighters, unsharpened pencils, unused erasers and college-ruled paper are perfect examples of items to repurpose.

2. Avoid Impulse Buys

Most schools and teachers provide school supply lists, so families know exactly what to purchase for the school year. While it may be tempting to buy a coveted designer backpack, movie-themed folder or favorite cartoon pencil box, strictly sticking to the list — either provided by the school or one crafted together by parent and child — will significantly help curb costs.

3. Comparison Shop

Shopping at a single store for school supplies may be tempting for convenience but being open to comparison shopping often saves money. Search online for deals at various stores near you as a first step. This typically provides insight into which stores have the best back-to-school prices and which retailers offer price-matching for discounts.

4. Use Coupons & Deals

Websites, mobile apps and local print advertisements typically have back-to-school coupons and deals. Many times, these can be “stacked” to get the most savings when shopping.

5. Reuse & Exchange

Next to school supplies, clothing is a major back-to-school expense. Yet, children grow quickly and often only wear something a couple of times, or maybe never (forgetting about the deep recesses of drawers and closets). Unearth these unused and gently-used items and swap them with family, friends and neighbors — this way, everyone saves!

Reuse opportunities are also available on Amazon, eBay and local second-hand retailers for quality items at lower prices.

6. Shop Tax-Free

Some states offer tax-free shopping days, many of which are positioned around back-to-school months. This is an opportune time for back-to-school shoppers to cut back on costs by getting a sales tax break (on qualifying items).

7. Buy in Bulk

Wholesale stores such as Costco and Sam’s Club can set families up for an entire school year (and sometimes beyond). These outlets bundle items such as pencils, folders, binders, highlighters, glue and more. Buying in bulk typically yields discounted prices and convenience — not having to run to the store throughout the year for pencils! Wholesalers also often provide deep discounts on electronics and school tools (ex: laptops, label makers and calculators).

Teachable Moments

Each of these ways to save on back-to-school costs provides parents and caregivers with a way to show children the value of establishing a budget, how to save money and strategies for cutting costs. Through re-using and recycling they can learn how to be less wasteful and more prudent. By comparing costs and buying in bulk they’ll see how preparation and creative thinking can set them up for financial success.

Take Charge America’s a href=”https://www.takechargeamerica.org/debt-help/credit-counseling/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>online credit counseling has helped many caregivers and families create and maintain reasonable budgets for back-to-school shopping and necessities all through the year.