Moms Talk: Back-to-School Shopping

Wheaton Patch invites you and your circle of friends to help build a community of support for mothers and their families right here in Wheaton. 

Each week in Moms Talk, our  take your questions, give advice and share solutions.

This week, as school opening draws near and Maryland's tax-free week is underway, our discussion turns to back-to-school shopping. Do you take advantage of the yearly tax-free period, or scout out the ever-earlier back-to-school sales? Does it hurt that the tax-exempt list does not include items like pencils, pens, binders and computers? Let us know your thoughts--and any other money-saving back-to school shopping tips.

Moms Council member starts our conversation:

"I have never before taken advantage of Tax-Free Shopping Week, but I will try to max it out this year. I will be hitting Stride Rite for school shoes and stocking up on diapers for my baby, and this is a good incentive to pick up new socks and underwear. But since my two older children wear school uniforms and I find most of my kids' clothing bargains online and prefer the ease of online shopping (I have Amazon Prime and so receive free 2-day shipping), I will not be doing a huge shopping spree for back-to-school."

I wish that printer cartridges and paper were included in in the list of tax-free items! As a school volunteer and room mom, that is what I can really use for my own "back to school" needs!

Share your own thoughts in the comments.