As a result of the crashing economy my family's back to school shopping is going to follow the spacing, needing, and reusing theme.

If you don't need a new winter coat in September, then don't buy one. Winter coats usually go on sale closer to the end of the calendar year. Also, you don't need jeans in August when it is still really hot in the school. So, you can wait to buy those too.

Let's say you need folders, notebooks, pencils, and a backpack. Try buying plain notebooks and folders- you can decorate them with stickers as well as images off the internet. If you really want a fancy folder, you can help pitch-in, or buy it with your own money.

If you have any school materials from last year that are almost brand new, use them again. Try to use your backpack for more than one year. Get a sturdy backpack with a pattern you will like next year, too.

Do your back to school shopping with new eyes- space it, need it, reuse it. Following those simple steps will save you money for the new school year.