Family Time: Back-to-school shopping records expected

From 10-packs of pencils to trendy gym shoes, back-to-school shopping can be expensive. Save some cash by shopping smart and budgeting.

Consumers will spend more than ever this year on school supplies, clothes, accessories and more, according to a new survey from the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights and Analytics.

The nation’s growing economy puts consumers in a good position to spend on such items, said Matthew Shay, president and chief executive officer of the National Retail Council.

“We’re expecting record spending,” he said.

Families with children in elementary school through high school plan to spend an average of just under $700. That’s up from $684.79 last year and tops the previous record of $688.62 set in 2012.

With fewer families surveyed saying they have children in grades kindergarten to 12, spending is expected to total $26.2 billion, down from last year’s $27.5 billion despite the increase in per-household spending.

Total spending for kindergarten through college combined is projected to reach $80.7 billion, down from last year’s $82.8 billion largely because of the decreased number of households with children in elementary through high school.

Clothing and accessories top families’ expenses, followed by computers and electronics. School supplies such as pencils, notebooks and lunchboxes tally up to $117.

Every family should budget for back-to-school spending no matter their financial outlook, said personal finance expert Rachel Cruze, co-author of “Smart Money Smart Kids.”

“If you don’t have a plan, you’ll end up spending too much,” Cruze said.

Back-to-school shopping tips:

• Start smart by making a list of what you already have and what you need to buy.

• Think ahead and take advantage of tax-free shopping days and free shipping for online purchases.

• Comparison shop.

• Reuse last year’s backpack, school uniform and even binders and folder if possible.

• Stick to the required list of school supplies and avoid impulse buys.

• Sign up for store rewards programs.

• Wait for September sales.

— More Content Now

Family Movie Night

“The Angry Birds Movie 2”

Rated: PG

Length: 96 minutes

Synopsis: The Angry Birds are back! The flightless birds and scheming green pigs put aside their differences and unite to fight a common threat when aggressive birds from an island covered in ice try to destroy the fowl and swine way of life. In theaters now.

Book Report

“The Trouble with Shooting Stars”

Ages: 8-12 years

Pages: 336

Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Luna loves the nighttime more than anything else. It’s when no one looks at her funny about the half mask she has to wear while healing from a car accident. It’s also the perfect time to sit outside and draw what she sees. Like the boy and girl from the new family next door … zipping out of the window in a zeppelin and up to the stars. Is Luna dreaming or will she join the adventure?

— Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers

Did You Know

Up to 80 percent of a child’s learning in school is through vision, according to the American Optometric Association. The organization recommends school-age children receive an eye exam each year, or more frequently if specific problems or risk factors exist. A school vision screening is not the same as a comprehensive eye exam. Even if a child passes a school vision screening and has 20/20 vision, he or she may have more serious vision problems.

— More Content Now