Planning, budgeting key to buying school supplies - DC Breaking Local News Weather Sports FOX 5 WTTG

Parents and students around the metro area are gearing up for another school year, and that means buying school supplies on your child's list. Danny Kofke, teacher and author of How to Survive and Possibly Thrive on a Teacher's Salary, says you can save yourself time and money by planning ahead.

Tish Craig is a mother of two 3rd graders. At a metro Atlanta Target, she received a lesson in simple math.

"Each girl has their classroom list and now we're going down the list," said Craig.

Many schools have released their supply list for students. On it, things like scissors, crayons and notebook paper are finding their way into shopping carts. Parents are spending a lot of money getting those supplies.

"You could spend $200 to $300 per child. If you have a couple of kids, that's a lot of money that's going out at one time," said Kofke.

He says back to school is just like Christmas. It comes every year, and he advised planning and budgeting every month for school supplies.

"To ease it a little bit, it's like anything, if you spread it out over time it makes it a little bit easier. Even though you're spending usually the same amount of money, it's just not all coming out at one time," said Kofke.

If you do wait until the last minute, he says take advantage of coupons. Look for promotions and once you find them, buy in bulk for this school year and the next. He says don't be afraid to shop at the Dollar Store. A brand name is not important.

"When it comes to the little things, the markers, especially for the primary grades, it really doesn't matter. And a lot of times in the primary grades too, the class kind of shares a lot of those supplies so it really doesn't matter," Kofke said.

When you're shopping for your children, it's also a good time to think about those less fortunate. The Goddard School is holding a school supplies drive for under privileged families, and collecting supplies at all of its 27 Georgia locations. You can also donate at area Kroger stores. For more information on back to school donation sites, click here!