ST. LOUIS — Summer break is almost over and children will soon be heading back to class.
With inflation slowing down slightly, experts predict an increase in back-to-school spending this year.
Our Michelle Li looked at how much parents are spending and offers tips for saving cash.
With every new school year comes new expenses. That means parents like Brandi Jane Graham are shelling out more cash to send their kids back to class.
"Well, I think the lists get longer and longer every year, but we go to public school, so it's worth every penny," said Graham.
According to a new RetailMeNot survey, the average American household will spend $1,498 on back-to-school supplies, electronics and clothes. That's $251 more than last year's spending average. Just like with everything else that costs more, experts say parents can blame inflation. Jessica Allen is from the website Living Well Spending Less.
"It adds up so fast. It's kind of like Christmas. We're buying 100 different things from 100 different vendors and it's so easy to lose track," said Allen.
So, what can you do to save money and avoid a back-to-school spending hangover? Allen has tips on how parents can save.
Take inventory
Figure out what you already have and then decide what you really need right now. You can put the rest on a wish list.
Set a budget
"We only spend under $100. I think the best thing is we shop at Walmart and we feel like they do a great job with great prices," said Graham.
You can also get your kids involved.
"The easiest way to do this is to give them the cash. This is a life skill. Budgeting is a life skill and actually paying for items at the counter and interacting with the service staff," said Allen.
Buy in bulk
Buying items in bulk can be a good option if you are going to use it all.
"Well, each girl needs Elmer's glue. So we're getting the 12-pack and hopefully we can save money that way," said Graham. "But going school back to school shopping was one of my favorite memories growing up. So it's kind of like an event for us. And so we budget for that."
Only one child to buy for? Split the cost with other parents, neighbors or friends. Four, stretch those electronics a bit longer instead of splurging on new ones.
"Look into items that you can swap or pass down. Is there a graduated senior who no longer needs that graphing calculator?" said Allen.
Wait for the shopping rush to pass
"Wait until your children get into their classes and see what the teacher is actually asking for," said Allen.
That's one tip where experts and Brandi Jane Graham disagree.
"We buy before because it is literally the most fun and we look forward to the day and the girls get excited and woke up this morning and said. Today's back-to-school shopping. So for us, it's a family event," said Graham.
While you’re shopping for school supplies, don't forget teachers. Many retailers, like Walmart, offer classroom registries for teachers. Often times teachers are spending money out of their own pockets -- so it's a nice way to be able to help teachers out.