Tax-free holidays are almost here. Save more with this shopping tip from Money Coach

Tax-free holidays are coming.

If you live in one of the 16 states that offer a tax-free weekend, you can buy items like school supplies without paying sales tax. It may not seem like much, but the extra savings can really add up.

For example, if you live in South Carolina, you normally pay 6% sales tax. If you buy $50 worth of school supplies or other items between August 2 and August 4, you won’t have to pay the extra $3.

Rita-Soledad Fernández Paulino, a financial coach, expert review board member and parent who knows all too well about school supplies shopping, says it’s a fun way to save money.

Still, she warns that tax holidays can be tempting to overspend. With all those flashy, colorful back-to-school displays (and your kid’s excitement over a $10 Squishmallow pencil case), it’s easy to go over budget.

“Even though it is a tax-free weekend, the best way to be conscious of your money is to make a plan,” says Fernández Paulino, who calls himself Soledad.

I have two kids who always want everything when we go shopping, including school supplies. Soledad shared a strategy to help parents like me save time and money while checking off their school supply lists. And I have to say, it’s one of my favorite tips.

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. And it’s 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.

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.