Getting ready for back to school can mean a lot of extra expenses for the family. Luckily with the Texas tax-free weekend coming August 19-21, 2011 this could mean big savings. This could be the perfect time to buy school supplies, clothes, shoes and any back to school items.  Many local stores will have great deals on top of the savings, so if your budget is tight, this could be a good way to get everything you or your kids need for less. Many students and parents stress about back to school expenses, keep in mind there are usually local community drives like the GRACE Program in Grapevine that assist families in need.

Good shopping tips for the tax free weekend would be:

-  Get there early, all the good brands go fast

-  Bring your partner or kids to help to get everything on the list quick and get out fast

- Check online for school supply list or grab one at the store you are shopping at

- If you’re buying clothes or shoes go to the mall for a one-stop shop. Grapevine Mills has a lot of great deals.

- Don’t forget to check out the ads online or in the newspaper, so you know what you’re going to get ahead of time.

These are other states who also have a tax free weekend in August for back to school.

Alabama

Arkansas

Connecticut

Florida

Georgia

Iowa

Louisiana

Maryland

Mississippi

Missouri

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

Oklahoma

South Carolina

Tennessee

Vermont

Virginia

Washington D.C.

West Virginia