It's fun to save money, especially if it means you can use it for other things. When it comes to buying back-to-school stuff, there are a lot of ways to save as we have described in this publication. In many instances, you'll probably be able to re-use a few things you bought last year. However, there will still be a few things you'll need to buy.

Use this handy chart to create a back-to-school budget. Keep track of how much you spend on each item. Try to get the best deal you can on the things you need and do your best not to spend more than you planned to on any single item.

Item

$ Budgeted

$ From Parents

$ Needed

Actual $ Spent

Electronics
(Computers, printers, printer supplies, software, calculators, beepers, cell phones)

Clothing
(Coats, shoes, accessories, pants, shirts, dresses, uniforms, backpacks)

Fees
(Tuition, deposits, application fees, housing, food plans, health assessments and physicals)

Sporting & Extra Curricular Activities
(Athletic equipment, jerseys, uniforms, accessories, coaching fees, special lessons, club expenses and initiation fees)

Dorm Room Supplies
(Bedding, towels, toiletries, decorations, furniture, refrigerators and cooking supplies)

Desk Supplies
(Notebooks, paper, pens, pencils, rulers, books and reference materials)

Transportation
(Notebooks, paper, pens, pencils, rulers, books and reference materials)

Other