Back-to-School shopping is here again – and you might need a second job to pay for it. Some simple subtraction...

The average parent with kids in grades K-12 spends $688.62 on back-to-school supplies, clothing and electronics! 

Consumer Reports has some advice on how to subtract from that sum and still pass the test:

• Gather up stuff you already have. It sounds like a no-brainer but most parents admit to buying new ruled paper, spiral notebooks, rulers and No. 2 pencils when they have plenty at home.

• Stick to the list. Don’t bother starting your shopping until you either receive the required supplies list in the mail or can find one online. A lot of local supply stores will have your school’s list available.

• Don’t fall for every sale. Gather up some price data on regular retail prices for the basics to avoid paying “sale” prices that aren’t.

Most importantly, don’t wait too long. We’ve all been there – waiting until the last minute and paying premium prices for those hard-to-find items, or settling for the more expensive versions of the common items that sell out.