Q: With school starting soon, what are ways I can save on school supplies?

A: One of the best ways to save on school supplies is to buy them in the off season. A few months into the school year, when the stores want to get rid of the surplus, is a great time to buy the school supplies your children use every year. For things you need to buy now, it really can pay off to watch the weekly inserts to look for store sales. Many common school supply prices are dropped drastically during the next few weeks. While you are there and getting the great deals, be sure to pick up some extra for next year, save for later in the year or send to school for children who may not be able to afford their own.