Back to school time has arrived, and that means that you are likely looking for back to school sales. Even though the recession is technically over, many people are still feeling the pinch — and there are fears of a double dip recession. As a result, it is important to make sure your back to school dollar goes as far as possible.

If you are shopping for back to school, it is a good idea to hit the sales. But a “sale price” should not be a reason to buy something. As with all personal finance decisions, it is a good idea to go in with a plan. Here are 5 tips that can help you more effectively shop the back to school sales:

1. Make a list: Impulse buys can really start to add up. This is why a list is a good idea. But don’t just make a list of supplies from the school. Also consider what you already have. Buying something unneeded is a waste of money. Take an inventory of what you already have, including the clothes that still fit your kids and are still in good condition. Then, make a list of what you are missing, and use that to guide your efforts during back to school sales.
2. Find out about sales tax holidays: Many states offer sales tax holidays around this time of year. Check to see whether your state offers a sales tax holiday, and what items are included. Some may be over, but others are just getting underway. This can be a good time to do your back to school shopping, since you won’t have to give as much money to the government.
3. Combine offers and coupons: If you are into coupon clipping, now is the time to take advantage of the practice. Search coupons for items on your back to school list. Then, look for sales on those items. If you can use your coupon on an item that is already discounted due to a sale price, so much the better. This can help you increase your savings for back to school shopping.
4. Plan your route: The best scenario is one that allows you to get all your back to school shopping done in one place. However, you may need to make multiple stops. If this is the case, plan your route. Look for efficiency in your driving, so that you are not spending as much on gas. It doesn’t make sense to spend an extra $3 to save $0.50. Before you head out, group your back to school shopping list according to store, and then create a route that will save a little time and money. If there is one store where you only need one item, consider paying a little extra to get the item at a store where you are already making purchases. By the time you add in the time and gas money for the extra trip, it may not be worth it.
5. Double check the prices: As your orders are being rung up, make sure that you double check the prices. In some cases, stores may miss giving you the savings you expect, since things are so hectic. Keep circulars with you, so that you can back up your claims. Of course, you will need to make sure you read the fine print on coupons and fliers to make sure you have the correct item and price.