Every fall, stores are crowded with the hustle and bustle of students and parents making their way down the aisles packed with back to school supplies. Retail outlets fight for your business with the best sales, which actually is good for parents who have a grocery list of things to get for their one or more kids. From the first time kindergartners to last year college students, back to school shopping for your kids can get expensive – and fast.

Using smart shopping and a credit card with a low APR or other attractive introductory terms, you can make back to school great without breaking the bank.

For the Classroom

No matter the student’s age – elementary school through college – kids come home from their first days of school with a long list of “must have’s” for the classroom. From books to binders and everything in between, it’s easy to go broke outfitting your child for the upcoming year of school. The Sam’s Club Discover makes it easy for you to buy all the supplies your children need, as well as the backpacks to put them in.

Elementary school children will mostly likely need the little stuff – pencils, crayons, binders and binder paper. As they move up to junior high and high school their teachers begin to expect a bit more from the kids. Folders for each class, specialized math calculators and reading classics are some of the items that may be needed. Some schools will even provide some of these materials, but with today’s economy – don’t count on it.

For the Dorm Room

College students have a new set of needs, other than items they will be using in their courses. With a Sam’s Club Discover, you can help your college bound student buy all they need and much of what they want to furnish and decorate their dorm room. With the savings you will see, more of your hard earned money can go back into their education.

Students entering college for the first time will be spending more on back to school than others, but not to worry. There are many places to save money on the items they need most, such as discount, variety and even thrift shops. In addition, most retailers put their back to school supplies and dorm room furnishings on sale for the week or two prior to school starting. Know your credit card limit and shop around for the best deal before making your purchase.

For Parents of Kids of All Ages

Young kids and college students are not the only ones who will need to worry about stocking up on supplies for back to school. Parents have those obligations as well. From worrying about school snacks and lunches, new clothing (because kids grow so fast!), footwear and textbooks – parents can quickly spend all their money on their children’s education. Shopping at a discount or bulk store with a card such as Sam’s Club Discover, you as a parent can stock up on all the things you need, with a lot less cost.

As the older children go away to college, parents may find themselves wanting to spend some money on themselves as well. Their student’s old room may become a game room, a movie room or the newest guest bedroom. The tradition of sending your child off to college is a change into an empty-nest house for many parents, and is a great time for you to rediscover your hobbies if you are in this position.