How Much Do You Spend on Back-to-School?

A new study by the National Retail Federation found that the average parent spends $606 on back-to-school clothes and supplies. That's an increase from last year's $549.
Given the recession, many families are trying to find ways to cut costs -- taking advantage of back-to-school sales, reusing supplies (like backpacks and binders) from last year and shopping online instead of in store for better bargains.
How are YOU saving money for back-to-school -- and how much do you spend, on average?
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Why on earth do you buy your child a new backpack every year? If nothing’s wrong with the old one, there’s absolutely no need to throw it out. This concept is reprehensible to me.