Back to school sales everyday

Half of Americans rate the economy as "poor," according to a recent Gallup poll. It only follows that a lot of folks are worried about how to give their kids what they need and want before sending them into the classroom.

So every weekday in August I am going to post a school-related deal or sale. Here's the first one.

Before heading to the stores make a list to focus on what you need most. Kaboose has lists for kindergarten through third grade and another for fourth through tenth grades. Some of the suggestions are unnecessary or can wait, in my opinion, including paper reinforcers and tissues.

Another way to stick to the essentials and save money is to ask your child's teacher what they absolutely will need on day one and what is optional or can be purchased later. Along the same lines, there may be something your kid thinks is super important to have and other things they could care less about.