Your back-to-school budget is probably moving up your "to-do" list. Here are some budget tips from the University of Wisconsin Extension.

Go through school supplies and clothes from last year and list all of the items and clothes that you already have on hand. Does she really need a new backpack, or does he need that new lunch box?

Next, determine which items you absolutely must purchase. Use your child’s school supply list, and also list additional needed clothes.

If a child is growing rapidly, it may make more sense to buy two pairs of jeans or khakis and rotate them, rather than buying several pairs at one time. Waiting to buy a winter coat until fall and preseason sales allows time for the child to grow and a chance to net some savings.

Come up with a realistic total amount for supplies and clothing for each child in school.

Now, get the kids involved. Explain that there are many options available for buying the things they need.

For example, a pair of jeans might cost $32 at a stylish chain store; $15 at a retail department store; $7 at a thrift or resale shop; and $3 at a garage sale. School notebooks cost from 50 cents to more than $5. Let kids check out a thrift store and look through store fliers to price and plan for items they might purchase.

Older kids can take your list of the things they need and come up with a line-item budget. A line-item budget lets them determine how much they will spend per item. Notice that at this point you still haven’t bought anything.

Engage younger children in learning about how much things cost, and how you, as an adult, make spending decisions. Younger children can look at folders and see that the one with the cartoon character on the front is $2, and others are 10 cents. You’ll need to set spending limits on each category or item and help them understand those limits.

Older kids will understand that if they buy six folders at 10 cents, as well other items at cheaper prices, they might have enough money left in their budget for brand-name sneakers.

Learning to make decisions based on math skills, judgment and personal taste is what money management is all about. Setting limits on spending doesn’t mean a lack of choices, but it does make kids have to think strategically.

Shoppers should be extra cautious right now because we’re getting into the back-to-school season. We’ll see more adults and children out and about.

I always cringe when I see motorists zooming through a parking lot — especially when there are children in the area.

Also, be careful while you’re in stores, as well. A consumer zooming through the aisles with a buggy also can be a safety hazard.

It only takes a second for someone, especially a child, to accidentally step into the path of a car or a buggy.

Sandra Stringer is a nutrition educator with the UGA Cooperative Extension office in Hall County. Contact: 770-535-8290. Her column appears occasionally on Wednesdays and on gainesvilletimes.com/life.