Buy smarter, not harder. This money-saving back-to-school tip is a game-changer

It’s tax-free weekend in my state, so it’s a great time to shop and save on school supplies. It’s tough shopping with my two kids who always want everything when we go to the store. All those snazzy, colorful school supplies (and my kid’s excitement over a $10 Squishmallow pencil case) make it easy to go over budget, even when you’re saving on sales tax.

According to our latest research, American adults are expected to spend an average of $662 on back-to-school shopping this year. I’m determined not to spend that much, but with uniforms, a new backpack, and a few other unforeseen school supplies, it won’t take much to reach the $600 mark. I’m already halfway there.

I spoke with Rita-Soledad Fernández Paulino, a money coach, member of the CNET expert review board, and parent, who is all too familiar with the temptation to overspend when shopping for school supplies. Fernández Paulino, who goes by Soledad, gave me a tip that changed my approach to shopping for school supplies — and I have to say, it works. Here’s Solead’s strategy and how I use it.

Plan ahead and shop online

“Planning ahead, shopping online and simply scheduling a pick-up time is one way to help cover the travel costs with your kids.”

Back-to-school shopping may seem easier if you just go to the store in person, but your little ones (and you) may be tempted to grab way more than you need. Plus, you may find yourself going to multiple stores to check everything off your list, making the temptation even greater.

“Kids can quickly start adding little accessories, new lunch boxes, new water bottles,” Soledad said. “Planning ahead, shopping online and just scheduling a pickup is a way to pay for the back and forth with your kids.”

To stay on track, Soledad recommends doing your shopping online and choosing pickup, shipping, or delivery. That way, you can make sure you get what you need and be mindful of your money. I even do this for my weekly Target trips to avoid wandering through the toy aisle or buying too many home decor items.

When shopping online for supplies, you can read reviews to feel confident about your purchases. It’s also easy to remove items from your cart to stay within a strict budget.

What I love most about Soledad’s tip is that you can still get your kids involved and teach them a little bit about finances in the process. For example, I let my 8-year-old choose from four book bags online that all fit my budget and were on sale. I was able to save time, score the deal, and pick one she loved.

Read more: Where to Shop Online for the Best Deals on School Supplies

Always set a budget before the start of the school year

Even if you or your kids prefer to do your own back-to-school shopping, you should still plan ahead and set a budget. I recently took my kiddo shopping at Target and gave her the power to pick up her supplies. We budgeted $30. She chose less expensive items to stay within budget (like solid-colored folders instead of glitter) so she could still afford her $10 Squishmallow pencil case. The bonus? I stayed within my own budget and it was an important money lesson for her.

If you’re looking for other ways to save on back-to-school shopping, remember to compare store prices first and shop online to see what you can cross off your list. Here’s a list of states that offer tax-free holidays and dates you can save.

In South Carolina, you normally pay 6% sales tax. If you buy $50 worth of school supplies or other items this weekend, you won’t have to pay sales tax, so you’ll save $3 on your $50 purchase. It may not seem like much, but those extra dollars can add up to big savings.

If you’re looking for more ways to teach your kids about personal finance, here’s advice from my colleague, a fellow parent who teaches her kids how to manage money wisely.