Save big on back-to-school sales.

The back-to-school season can become a very expensive time of year - especially if you have a child that grew several inches over the summer months.

Add to new clothes all the school supplies and sporting equipment she'll need if she decides to try out for a school team and you've got yourself a full list.

But there are ways to meet your budget, and make sure you get everything on your kids' back to school lists. Here are some tips to cut costs and keep money in your pocket:

Only purchase what you need. Look over last year's equipment and have your child reuse pencils, pens, rulers or glue for the classroom. Sure, folders and notebooks take a beating so you probably will have to purchase some new school supplies. The same holds true for clothing. Find just a couple of mix and match outfits that will stand up to frequent wear and multiple washings to help reduce what you spend on clothing.

Shop the sales. Many states offer clothing tax-free holidays during the back to school season, providing a nice discount. And most department stores also hold promotions and discounts on school supplies and clothing, so keep an eye out for store brochures that will allow you to comparison shop for the lowest prices.

Save big online. Instead of driving all around town trying to find the best deals, stay home and find the best deals on services before leaving the house through websites like SaveOnEverything.com For example, if you visit Great Clips to give the kids a nice haircut before the school year begins, you can take advantage of discounts and coupons through the Save on Everything site.

Buy in bulk. Items are cheaper is you buy in bulk, so make a list of all the supplies your children will need for the entire school year and purchase them now, during the back-to-school sales. If you don't need such a large supply, ask a friend or relative to join you in the expense so all of your children can benefit from bulk shopping.

The back-to-school season is so exciting and you can easily get caught up in the flurry of activities while trying to get your children organized. But make sure you're an economical parent and stick to your budget so you can save money for some other fun activities.

Set the scene for easy outdoor entertaining.

It's a beautiful day outside today. It won't be hard to get people to come to an outdoor gathering on a warm summer day, and it should be just as easy to pull together a memorable affair. To make the most of your time and budget, look for low-maintenance solutions that you can use throughout the season.

Get your backyard ready for summer gatherings with these easy tips:


Decking - Having a great space where guests can gather is the first, and perhaps most essential task. A deck gives guests a place to relax and linger comfortably throughout your party. If you're concerned about the time you'll have to put into keeping your deck looking great, toss out your old ideas of decks requiring careful maintenance and attention year-round. Save On Everything provides many discounts to local companies that can build and maintain your deck for you.

Plants - As much as you want your deck and gathering space to look good, you want guests to be impressed by the natural surroundings of your yard as well. Research perennial plants that thrive not just in your horticultural zone, but in the micro-climate of your home (you particular soil type, sun exposure, etc.) Choose hardy plants that don't require too much pruning or attention, but which provide a beautiful and varied backdrop. If you don't have a green thumb, talk to the experts at your local garden center to get tips on plant selection and care.

Decor - From serving ware to seating, you can assemble all the elements of entertaining without too much stress. If you want to freshen up the look of your deck, invest in weather-resistant outdoor furniture from many local retailersthat can stand up to the elements and will look good in years to come. If new furniture isn't in your budget, look for new cushions and covers that will resists spills and tears. Instead of buying disposable serving ware, look for shatter-proof plates and glasses that are dishwasher safe. You'll be doing the environment a favor and you'll always have it on hand - no more last minute runs to the store when you run out of platic cups.

Food - Don't stress yourself out with a multi-course menu. You can find many restaurants on Save On Everything that offer many takeout specials and catering services. If you're in the mood to prepare something yourself, then let seasonal ingredients be the stars. Serve sliced or grilled fresh fruit for a sweet dessert and rely on tried-and-true party favorites, but with a different spin.

From the food you eat & the dishes you serve to the way you decorate. The less work you have to do, the more you'll be able to enjoy the time with your guests. Save on Everything is here to provide you the best deals on everything you'll need for fun and inexpensive entertaining.

How to socialize your summer with the help of your friends

Summer is in full swing and so is the busiest social season of the year. Longer days mean more time for family, friends and fun in the sun.

Whether you have a packed social calendar complete with weddings, birthday parties and family reunions, or you just spontaneously decided to throw a backyard barbecue on Friday night, your network of friends will likely play a big role in your plans. Lifestyle expert Lisa Gurry offers these tips with the help of Bing.com and SAVE on Everything on how to socialize your summer, so whether you're planning, hosting or simply attending an event, you won't have to go it alone.

Hectic-free hosting: Let's face it - planning and hosting an event can be stressful. But no one expects you to be Martha Stewart, so embrace the craziness of entertaining and enlist help from your friends. Your guests will feel more comfortable if they get to be a part of the preparation. Consider these tips for hectic-free hosting, and allow the stress to turn into laughter so you can enjoy the party too.

Do your homework: Line up the menu early so you can have time to do your grocery shopping, baking and set-up prior to the day of the party. The last thing you need is a tray of burnt cookies one hour before guests arrive.

Pot-luck parties are a great way to divvy up preparation and shorten the length of your to-do list. The vibe will feel more casual and guests will get to enjoy a unique variety of dishes on the table.

Set the mood with some easy decorations and a killer playlist, and get input from your hippest Facebook friends with Bing's shared shopping lists. They can help you choose between inflatable palm tress and mini tiki torches, and Lady Gaga or Dave Matthews Band. Everyone wins.

Show up in style: A guest's job is typically to make themselves comfortable and have a great time. But there are some unspoken rules to keep in mind to be a gracious guest at this summer's hottest parties.

Don't show up empty-handed or without a smile. Whether you're bringing a dish to contribute to the barbecue, a gift for the birthday boy or a small token of appreciation for the host, bring something. Personalize your present at Bing.com where you can see what the recipient "likes" best on Facebook, guaranteeing that you'll impress with your gift selection. You'll feel so confident with your perfectly wrapped choice; you won't even need to include a gift receipt. Most importantly, remember that you are at a party - enjoy yourself and let it show.

If you're invited to an event that involves a bikini, boost your confidence before you go by purchasing a colorful sarong or a fresh pedicure or tan. Don't let the thought of showing up in a bikini scare you into RSVP-ing "no." Lift your spirits with some colorful accessories and a fruity margarita and you'll be ready to party poolside all day long.

Planning to attend with a plus-one? Always be sure to give the host a head-up. Unexpected party guests can cause awkward conversations and unnecessary stress for the party planner.

Get out of town: Sometimes the best summer events are nowhere near your home town, and weekend getaways are what summer is all about. The days are longer, the temperature is warmer and it's not unheard of to sneak away from your desk a little early on a Friday afternoon. Now's the time to embrace your summer travel wishes, so consider these tips to get out of town before summer's end.

Pack light. Chances are, wherever you're headed, it's going to be warm. Plan to live in your swimsuit, some jean shorts and a few stylish tank tops. The last thing you need to worry about while vacationing at the beach is how you're going to lug a giant suitcase up three flights of stairs. All you need to have fun is good company and good weather, so leave the closet at home.

If steep prices have been keeping you on travel lockdown, break free. Opt for a road trip if your destination is close enough. It'll save you money and provide a great opportunity to belt out your favorite tunes on the road with your closest friends. If driving is not an option, search for flights on SAVE on Everything's travel page. You can also search for flights on Bing and "like" your desired route to receive notifications of great airfare deals to that city directly in your Facebook feed. What's more, you can find a free place to stay with the Friends Who Live Here feature - Bing will show you which of your friends live in the cities you're traveling to so you can save your hotel money and catch up with old friends.

Once you've arrived, unplug from status updates, Tweets and text messages. Be present and enjoy the time spent away from real-time updates. Put down the phone and relax - you're on summer vacation.