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• • Factor in public transportation, school bus or carpool expenses.
• • Although shopping online can save money, time and gas, don't forget shipping and return costs, which could undo any net savings. If your kids are old enough, put them in charge of online comparison shopping.
• • Clip newspaper and online coupons. Many stores will match competitors' prices even if their own items aren't on sale. Plus, many consolidation websites post downloadable coupons and sale codes for online retailers.
• • Mobile shopping apps let in-store smartphone and mobile browser users scan product barcodes and make on-the-spot price comparisons, read reviews, download coupons, buy products and more.
• Some parents wrestle over whether or not to take their kids on shopping trips. I think it's worth the effort so they can hear and absorb your decision-making process and understand what's available to spend. My kids are probably sick of hearing me say, "I'm going to buy this brand of underwear because it's cheaper, which will give us more money to buy a better-quality jacket."
• Bottom line: Back-to-school shopping can be tedious, but if you plan carefully, you can save time, money and aggravation.
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• Jason Alderman directs Visa's financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney.
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