It seems like school just ended, but now we're just a few weeks away from the fall semester.

I have a 5-year old that will start kindergarten on August 26th, and we're planning to do lots of shopping for school supplies and new clothes in August.  It's exciting in some ways to start school, but it's expensive!

School supply lists in Lufkin can run about $50, and in some surrounding cities the totals for notebooks, pencils, glue, and all of the other necessities can push closer to $100.  That's not the new Hello Kitty shirts and fancy tennis shoes.  That total only includes the classroom supplies.  

There are some fundraisers happening now to try to get school supplies in the hands of kids who can't necessarily afford them, and that's helpful to many.  Some school districts are also coming up with ways to offer an assist with the supplies, and other businesses and third parties also chip in.

KTRE says right now, Target and Walmart are offering several discounts for back-to-school shoppers and with Tax Free Weekend right around the corner, parents can expect a surge of coupons and discounts to be available.

The Texas Tax Free weekend is coming up August 9th through 11th.  School supplies will not be taxed that weekend, and you'll be able to get clothing and shoes under $100 tax free.

One month til school starts!  Now is the time to start getting ready.

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