With school starting in just a few weeks for many of us and already in session for an unfortunate few, the crushing reality of back-to-school shopping is in full effect. In fact, according to the National Retail Federation, most ordinary, average families will drop an average of $594.24 on back-to-school supplies this year, a figure that's estimated to put over $20 billion in retailers' pockets. In the meantime, gas prices are slowly crippling my family's budget, and both of my older kids want a $15 Clone Wars lunchbox when a brown bag will do.
That sunny, optimistic news noted, there are a number of easy ways to cut your expenses this season, and if you've logged any of your various credit or debit cards at the college-savings dynamo Upromise, you can also get some cash back...
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