The new school year is an expensive business, but with a few prudent tricks you should be able to stop your budget spiralling skywards

As every parent knows, back to school necessities can add up quickly: uniform; new schoolbag; PE and swimming kit; books; and we've yet to even mention the new pencil case! Some of the following ideas are new, others are time-honoured but worth repeating:

Estimate expenses: Sit down with each child returning to school and list every expense you both can think of that will be needed. Include school supplies, clothing, school and athletic shoes, after-school-club fees and trips.

Establish a budget: Add up your total, then set spending limits for each child. Work out what you can pay cash for and what you will need to put on your credit cards. If you're using a credit card, use the card with the lowest interest rate. Plan to pay off these bills within three months.

Determine needs and wants: If your child insists on a certain brand of winter coat or style of shoe, compromise. Tell him or her how much you think is reasonable and what amount you will pay for shoes. Have your child make up the difference.

Comparison shop: Prices vary from shop to shop. Check out office supply shops, discount warehouses and large supermarkets for the best values. Take advantage of advertised special offers during the few weeks before school starts.Consider alternatives: If your child wears a uniform, ask if the school offers a uniform exchange programme as an alternative to buying expensive new clothes.

Plan ahead: Take this year's receipts and make a category for next year's budget. This way you can plan ahead to have cash available for your back-to-school expenses for the next school year.