The excitement of back-to-school preparations can bring back fond memories of youthful school days. Once you have kids of your own, making new memories can be even sweeter by thinking about your child’s new friends and teachers and what the new year will bring — but they’ll need some cool new school supplies first!

So while the start of the academic year may mean lots of new stuff for your kids, don’t let it be a budget-breaker. To make the back-to-school season easier and more affordable, do your homework and get your game-plan together.

The shopping experts at Dollar General are sharing convenient and cost-effective tips to prep the family for a great school year:

Cool threads

For a new academic year, start with a fresh look. Any parent knows keeping up with fashion isn’t the only consideration for school wear– there’s price to think about as well. Not only do styles change, but children grow and change too. Be smart and buy the basics like jeans, sweaters and sweatshirts for those upcoming fall and winter days at low cost.

Kids quickly outgrow everything so you have to plan accordingly. For school uniforms, research online low prices, discounts and free shipping offers.

Reading, writing, arithmetic

Pencils, paper, calculators and everything else. For the little ones, you may need to stock up on pencils, markers, crayons and arts-and-crafts essentials. Older children may have more advanced classwork and advanced supplies like calculators, compasses and composition notebooks.

Consider purchasing all of these items during the summer from an everyday low price retailer like Dollar General.  You can get a great deal and spread the cost of back to school supplies out over the summer months.

The breakfast club

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day to help fuel their brains and muscles and meet their growing needs. Unfortunately, it may be quickly eaten in a rush out the door or completely forgotten all together.

Get off to a running start by clipping digital coupons and buying everyday items that can be eaten quickly, such as cereal or peanut butter. Save time and money by shopping online too. To help you save even more for the back to school season, text DGBTS to receive $5 off any $25 pretax purchase in more than 11,000 stores nationwide or online at www.dollargeneral.com.

The season of great deals starts now, so don’t be late for school.