NerdWallet’s annual back-to-school shopping survey found that back-to-school shoppers estimate they’ll spend an average of $611 on back-to-school expenses such as clothing, supplies and books. Since prices are up across many categories, families have to search harder to find ways to fit back-to-school costs into their budget, says Andrea Woroch, a money-saving expert based in Bakersfield, California. Sell or consign some of the stuff your kids have outgrown to generate some extra cash for this year’s back-to-school expenses, she adds. Band together with other caregivers in your grade to buy items — like notebooks and folders — in bulk at a lower price. Give your kids a budgetFor some parents, figuring out how to budget for back-to-school shopping begins with a conversation with their kids about money.