It seems like summer break just got started, but in most states, kids actually have less than six weeks to gear up for back-t0-school. For parents and caretakers, this means those dreaded back-to-school shopping trips are almost upon you, including the most dangerous trip of all- the shopping for school supplies trip.

Angry mobs, crying babies, running children, picked-over products, not enough carts, and missing bar codes are all just some of the familiar hallmarks of a brand new school year. And if you’re like most people, you’re cringing now at the very thought of this process. So why not do it differently this year?

Avoid the chaos and preserve your sanity by following these simple steps:

1) Shop early- It’s really true that the early bird gets the worm, or in this case supplies. If possible, not only should you shop earlier in (or throughout) the year, but earlier in the day as well. As any experienced shopper knows, the earlier you begin shopping, the less people you have to compete with for space, products and attention from salespeople.

2) Shop online- Who says you have to shop in stores in order to get the back-to-school supplies your kids need? Why not search the internet first? I can bet you that you’ll be surprised at the number of great deals that are offered online  year-round for supplies, as well as the number of retailers who offer them. Save yourself the aggravation and pull up to your computer desk instead of your local store to save on supplies and to preserve your sanity.

3) Buy in bulk- While warehouse clubs and shrink-wrap may not necessarily come to mind when you think of school supplies, you may want to reconsider- especially if you are shopping for multiple children. Purchasing supplies like number two pencils, markers, and notebook paper in bulk can save you mid-year trips to replace lost and damaged supplies, and a bundle of money (pun totally intended) throughout the school year.

4) Give generics a try- Product loyalty certainly has its place (namely if the teacher or school requires it). But in some cases, generics offer just as much bang for your buck as name-brand products do and at a fraction of the cost. Don’t miss out on store brands or lesser-known labels when it comes to more expensive back-to-school products including: paints, markers, pens, and binders.

Start the school year off right with your savings and your sanity intact!

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Buying groceries is a necessity for everyone, but overpaying for them isn’t. Cutting down on spending at the grocery store is by far one of the easiest ways to save money. Groceries are one of the few household expenditures that you have almost total control over, as well as a variety of choices. From coupons to discount cards, club stores to open markets, there are plenty of ways to get the foods and household goods you and your family enjoy without spending an arm and a leg.

Take advantage of discounts

Manufacturers and retailers offer a surprising array of ways to maximize your savings including: coupons, discount cards, in-store promotions and weekly sales papers. Taking the time to clip coupons, register for discount cards, and to carefully read store fliers and promotions can yield big savings on the foods and goods you use the most.

Make a list

When it comes to shopping, making a list isn’t reserved solely for Santa, but for anyone who wants to avoid forgetting items, overspending, wasting time, and purchasing items you already have. Taking the time to make even a rudimentary list can add up to big savings in many ways.

Don’t shop on a hungry stomach

Don’t do it to yourself. Just say no! Nothing can send your grocery bill soaring more than shopping while hungry. Everyone knows that food never looks better than when you’re in need of nourishment! Before grocery shopping enjoy a light snack or a full meal if necessary-  not only will it give you more energy, but it will help you avoid impulse spending.

Compare before you go

Competition is a great thing – especially for consumers. If you truly want to save money then you must be willing to shop around. It’s just that simple. No matter what stores advertise or proclaim, no one store will always offer the best deals. So hit the internet, watch TV spots and check your mail to find the best deals for your shopping needs.

Stick to your budget

Sticking to your budget is the hardest but most beneficial grocery shopping (and financial) tip there is. Spending more money than you have to or need to for food is simply unnecessary.