Back to School shopping is a lot of fun, but you might not realize that school supplies, clothes and shoes cost a lot a money!

Back to School shopping is a lot of fun, but you might not realize that school supplies, clothes and shoes cost a lot a money!

“You can help your mom and dad save some back-to-school cash by going through your old school supplies and figuring out what you really need,” said Katie Scofield, Financial Education Officer at Numerica Credit Union. “You would be surprised at how much money you can save by using what you already have!”

Re-use pens, binders, notebooks, and all sorts of other goodies. Sure, that highlighter may not be completely full, but it still has some life to it. That notebook is still half-full, don't dismiss it. Just tear out your old notes and homework, and recycle the paper.

While a new backpack would be nice, does it have some more life to it? Check all the pockets and give it a good cleaning. Who knows — you might even find some spare change, cha-ching! Or, you might find some unused erasers or markers.

Watch for deals. After your parents are done reading the newspaper, go through it and look for advertisements about back to school supplies. Then write down which stores have deals on shoes or notebooks. Impress your parents with your ninja bargain hunting skills. Remember what Ben Franklin said, “A penny saved, is a penny earned.”

Find more budgeting and money tips at numericacu.com/youth