Get the most bang for your back-to-school buck with these buying strategies.

1. Spread out. Shop over a five-week span starting at the end of July to take advantage of extreme deals across different stores.

2. Be prepared. Always have your child’s school supply list with you.

3. Shop online sparely. Capitalize on 10- to 25-cent steals offered exclusively in stores.

Source: Jill Cataldo (jillcataldo.com), founder of Super-Couponing