Back-to-school bucks

• Back-to-school is topped only by the Christmas holiday season as Americans' biggest shopping spree of the year.

• In August 2005, $6.6 billion was spent at family clothing stores. Bookstore sales in August 2005 totalled $2.2 billion.

• The average family will spend $527.08 on school clothes and supplies this year, up $83 from last year's average of $443.77.

When do families shop?

• 3-4 weeks before school starts: 44%

• 1-2 weeks before school starts: 30%

• 2 months before school starts: 13%

• The week after school starts: 8%

• After school starts: 3%

Fee waivers

Low-income junior high and high school students in Utah school districts who qualify for free and reduced-price lunch or are in foster care or state custody can qualify for fee waivers by submitting an application to their school.

Percent of students receiving fee waivers:

Jordan — 13%

Davis — 23%

Granite — 25%

Salt Lake — 47%

Alpine — 19

How to cut costs

• Create a budget. Make a list of what your child absolutely needs and stick to it. Use it as an opportunity to teach children money management skills. They can help you find bargains.

• Purchase basic items such as pens, pencils and paper in bulk, perhaps sharing with other families.

• Have your kids chip in for their back-to-school shopping. They will likely spend less if they are paying a percentage of the cost.

• Recycle. If a backpack or binder is in good shape, don't buy a new one just because it's a new school year. Offer to trade with a friend and encourage your child to decorate items with original art.

• Clip coupons and be on the lookout for sales.

• Keep receipts in case an item must be returned.