Like most moms, Stephanie Nelson loves sales and saving money, especially at this time of year when her children head back to school.

A background in finance has helped Nelson become one of the nation’s top experts in couponing and saving cash. She shares strategic shopping advice, coupons and more on her website, CouponMom.com, which has six million members and counting.

Now she’s also sharing her top five back to school shopping tips.

 

1. Plan ahead.

The key to saving is planning. Before you leave the house to start buying school clothes, backpacks and supplies, sit down and plan what you need to buy with your student. Discuss what your student wants, inventory what you already have, and make a specific list of what they need to buy. This will save money, time and stress.

While you are out, do not overbuy. A few weeks into the new school year, sit down again with your children and plan what they need and prefer.

 

2. Go tax free.

Tax-free sales can save you up to 10%! Take advantage of tax-free holidays in some states to save the cost of sales tax. For a list of states, tax-free sale dates and included items, go to www.taxadmin.org/fta/rate/sales_holiday.html.

 

3. Be vigilant.

Check newspapers and websites. Watch for special promotions in the newspaper ad circulars. Many will have generous coupons in addition to sale prices. Also, check out store or mall websites where you can print a free coupon for store(s) immediately after signing up for the e-mail newsletter, such as www.rackroomshoes.com, www.payless.com, www.shoecarnival.com and www.premiumoutlets.com.

 

4. E-mail discounts.

When you check your favorite store websites for coupons and promotions also sign up for their e-mail newsletter to get special coupons and discounts. Be sure to subscribe to the e-mail newsletter of your local mall. You will be sent information and free coupons for special promotions.

 

5. Stock up and save.

Purchase a few extras now. Watch for sale prices of up to 90% (or even get free items) at this time of year and stock up for the entire year. Look at store ads for grocery stores, drugstores, big box discount stores and office supply stores. Bargains will start now and continue through September. When a note comes home from the teacher in January requesting more paper or crayons, you’ll have extra on hand.