As children head back to school, you will notice that several discount chains are starting to drastically reduce their prices for school supplies. I have purchased single subject notebooks for just pennies and crayons, markers, glue and other school items for a fraction of the cost.

With my husband heading back to college this year and with two children in school, I stocked up on great savings. I tried to plan ahead and buy enough school supplies that will get my children and my husband throughout the school year. This is also the perfect time of year to stock up on your household stationary supply for the year. I promise you if you do not buy enough supplies now, you will pay a lot heftier price after the back-to-school season is over.

To save money on school supplies, I typically shop at discount chains and dollar stores and avoid office supply stories. I find that office supplies stores are far more expensive than the area discount stores.

I also purchased backpacks for my children during the off cycle of the back-to-school shopping. I found two named brand backpacks for a fraction of the cost at the end of the school year and stored them in a closet for this year.

Once again, I remind frugal shoppers that living a frugal lifestyle takes planning. However, with a little planning you can save a fortune.

Do you have tips for the Frugal Family? E-mail them to localnews2005@yahoo.com.