The average family with school-aged children spent $594.24 on back-to-school purchases, according to a 2008 survey done by the National Retail Federation. Given the current economic conditions, I think more of us will be looking for a bargain this year.

I’m limiting back-to-school shopping to new shoes, jeans, a handful of long-sleeved shirts and cardigans that can be worn with summer shirts. Plus, the kids get to pick a special first day of school outfit. I’m still searching for a quality, durable brand of jeans that will last an entire year. All the ones we’ve tried so far end up with holes.

Is anyone else planning on cutting back on the back-to-school shopping?  It may be a good idea to wait for the clearance sales at Labor Day to pick up things for next season. The Memorial Day sale at the Children’s Place outlet at the St. Louis Mills was incredible. Do you have any good tips for back-to-school savings or sales you wait for all year?