Hey GirlMoguls, our friend Kendal Perez from FreeShipping.org has some great tips on how to survive the back to school money drain….so check it out and see how you can save big on back to school…

What happened to summer? It seems like just yesterday we were hungry for warmer weather, but now we’re eating our words during one of the hottest seasons on record.

Though scorching temperatures aren’t going anywhere just yet, back-to-school sales are heating up the retail scene and driving this month’s best buys. According to the Best Time to Buy Guide on FreeShipping.org, you can expect boiling bargains on the following items in August.

Backpacks

An essential part of any back-to-school supply list, backpacks are a great buy in August as retailers clamor to capture your business. Sports Authority is offering free shipping on backpacks through Sept. 1, while parents with young kids can save up to 20 percent on backpacks at Pottery Barn Kids.

School Supplies

Scoring deals on school supplies in August is a no-brainer, but the best way to maximize savings is twofold: Purchase what your child needs during the first couple weeks of school now, then hold off on buying everything else until retailers make room for holiday items (ew!). With markdowns of up to 75 percent, it’s hard to pass up these savings.

Dorm Furniture

College students headed to the dorms can find great deals on compact necessities. Target has discounts available on everything from bedding to desk lamps through Aug. 4 (and likely beyond), and you can save up to 60 percent during the PBDorm sale at PBTeen.

Select Summer Fashion

Clothing retailers have already begun replacing summer staples with fall fashions, making lightweight sleepwear a great buy at such stores as Macy’s and Victoria’s Secret. You can also find deals on belts, scarves and accessories in summer hues, as retailers make room for the fall line-up of heavier, darker-toned items.

Swimwear

Tragically, beach season is coming to an end as families get back into school-oriented routines. Happily, that means great savings on this season’s swimwear styles. Victoria’s Secret is offering 25 to 50-percent off swim styles through Aug. 7, and you can save up to 20 percent on select men’s swimwear at J.Crew.

Laptops and Computers

Thanks to back-to-school promotions, students and professionals alike can find great deals on laptops and computers. In addition to monitoring month-long sales, check out open-box items from Newegg and Best Buy to score additional savings on next-to-new electronics.

Activewear

Retailers have been pushing us to get off our butts all season with tempting athletic-wear styles. As we move into cooler climates, these same stores are offering summer activewear at a discount. Stock up on workout tanks, lightweight pants and sweatshirts during Athleta’s Summer Semi-Annual Sale through Aug. 13.

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