• Create a list - Jot down everything you need and stick to the list! Impulse purchases can increase your overall bill very quickly. Also try shopping within your home before heading to the store. You may already have some of the items from last year which are still in good condition. Why purchase the same things twice? 

• Research big ticket items - Before purchasing that expensive laptop or tablet, research the brands, warranty, customer reviews and the prices at various stores to be sure you are getting the best deal. Also, look up the retailer on BBB.org.

• Shop smart with sales - Compare prices between different retail stores, save your coupons, sign up for email alerts and redeem any cash-back or rebate offers. This will help you get the best deals.

• Ask for student discounts - Many stores and software companies offer discounts to students that have a student ID. Even if you do not see a discount advertised at the store, it does not hurt to ask.

• Know the return policies and save your receipts - Children can be fickle. They can love a new shirt today and hate it tomorrow. Ask about the return policies before making your purchase. Be sure to save your receipts just in case you have to return the item later.

• Make sure you are shopping on legitimate websites. Do not rely on a simple Google search. Scammers are placing fake contact numbers and websites at the top of internet searches and can trick you into thinking you are purchasing from a real business.

• Ensure the website's URL starts with “https” and includes a lock symbol. The “s” in “https” shows that your information is being protected.

• Review the privacy policy and contact information for the business. If these details are not clearly listed on the website or they only have an email address as their point of contact, treat this as a big red flag and shop elsewhere.

• Do your research. While an unknown website may offer a similar product at a lower price, the lowest price may not be the best route. Check for customer reviews and badges for consumer protection agencies, like BBB’s seal of trust.

• Avoid flashy pop-up ads. These may just be click-bait ads that trick you into revealing personal and financial information.

• Pay with a credit card. This payment method not only provides additional protection, but makes it easier to dispute a fraudulent charge.

• Be extremely wary of any websites or stores that ask for your child’s personal information in order to access special deals. A child's Social Insurance Number (SIN) is valuable to those committing identity theft because it offers a clean, blank slate to create and obtain fraudulent records which can go undetected for several years. If a business asks for their SIN, get more information. Why do they need it and where and how is this information being stored? How long is it being stored and how will it be terminated? Who has access to it?

• Read the fine print. Understand return policies, particularly on sale items.

• You may find items on sites like Craigslist. If you are buying school supplies through a website like Craigslist, avoid using wire transfers to make payments. Consider using PayPal or paying by cash. Thoroughly inspect the items before handing over your money, make sure to meet in a public space and have someone accompany you.