An inventory of last year's school supplies.

Angela Verges | Contributor

Budget and back to school — can these words be used in the same sentence?

Soon there will be lunches to pack, snacks to choose and clothes to buy. And this happens to be the year your son or daughter experienced a growth spurt. The kids aren’t the only ones who groan at back to school time — I also join the chorus of moans. However, my symphony of moans is for a different reason.

How can I possibly save money now? I have learned that a plan has to be devised before venturing out for school shopping for the kids. An article at metrofamilymagazine.com gives tips on how to save with back to school shopping.

Here are some tips on how to save when shopping:

Take inventory - Determine what is needed before you venture out to the stores. Do you have supplies left from last year? Will you need to buy school uniforms or larger size clothes due to your child’s growth spurt?

Set a budget - This can be a challenge, but create a shopping list and stick to it; avoid impulse purchases.

Use coupons - Make those great deals even greater by using coupons. Some websites offer “printable, online and mobile coupons for back to school savings.”

Social media - Take advantage of Facebook and Twitter for deals offered to their fan base. Be sure to “Like” or “Follow” the merchant to “keep an eye out for coupons and sales announcements.”

Buy in bulk - Some deals are worth taking advantage of while you see them. Grab those items your kids will burn through like pens, pencils, crayons and paper. Just don’t give everything to the kids at one time; tuck a few items away for later in the school year.

Exchange - “Gather your family and friends, along with their kid’s school wardrobes, for an exchange night.” Call this an exchange party and make trading hand-me-downs a fun event. You can even add snacks and play games.

Buy for yourself - Parents don’t have to feel left out at this time of the year. Back-to-school sales are for you, too. This is a good time to stock up on office supplies, jeans and other items that typically go on sale during this time.

It looks like you can use "budget" and "back to school" in the same sentence and save money. What are your money saving tips for shopping for back-to-school items?

Angela Verges is a writer and mother of two who is always in search of a great deal when shopping. You can reach her at awritersdream41@yahoo.com.