DECATUR - Jan Adcock of Assumption believes in providing her children with the equipment and apparel they need to start back to school right.

But she and her children understand that they may already have what they need.

Adcock's children this year will reuse some of their school supplies, such as book bags and three-ring binder paper, from the last school year.

"It does get expensive this time of year for families," Adcock said. "We try to double up trips (to save gas), since we don't live in Decatur."

Adcock has four school-age youngsters, for whom she also has to pay physicals, textbooks, registration and immunizations. If she was looking to save some money, it would be with school supplies and clothes.

Families are becoming more shopping savvy, changing their back-to-school shopping habits. Living on a tighter budget, due to the rising price of gas and groceries, families are finding ways to meet their children's needs for school without overspending.

This year's shopping season has included parents buying fewer new clothes or only shopping for sales on school supplies or at discount stores, or like the Adcocks, using supplies left over from the last school year.

America's Research Group sees back-to-school spending falling as much as 2 percent this year. A mere 1.5 percent of consumers said they will buy products at full price. Last year, 11 percent said they would, according to The Associated Press.

Craig Coughlin, a Decatur Target store team leader, said school supplies sales have been steady at the store, with sale ads put out earlier this year. He remembers seeing a trickle of people come in after the Fourth of July.

"We're in a competitive market," Coughlin said. "People are looking for the best deal out there. They're looking for the best price for what they pay for."

While back-to-school spending may be decreasing, Coughlin said it's not keeping parents from buying their children Hannah Montana folders or Camp Rock notebooks or clothing items, even though they are priced slightly more than folders and notebooks without the popular Disney faces.

"It's one of those things," he said. "It's a new school year, and any parent would want to start their children off on the right foot. I think it's the expectation."

The National Retail Federation said spending in most categories will be flat, with the exception of electronics. College students will learn a hard lesson in tough economic times as even their spending on electronic must-haves and gadgets will fall some 22 percent. However, it will remain their No. 1 category, according to The Associated Press.

College students will be the ones who rein in purchases the most, with a better than 12 percent drop in spending, according to BIGresearch.

School supplies and clothes have sold well at Decatur's Kmart, said Manager Terry Hotwick, especially as the time is winding down to the start of school.

He hasn't noticed a decrease in back-to-school shopping but said he's also seen a surge in sales of 'tween Disney items.

Hotwick said they keep their supplies stocked, but there are some people who've started their school supply shopping early - last year.

"I know there are people who buy up (school supplies) after the season to use next year," he said. "Money is tight today."

Amy Huschle of Newton was able to find a lot of the items her children needed, such as pencils, paper and highlighters, at the Dollar Tree. Her children also will use some items left over from last year, she said.

"The teachers want the children to have everything the first day of school," she said, while shopping with 13-year-old Shelby and 9-year-old Zachary at Target.

Her children don't have a problem with recycling last year's items, but there is one thing they insist on having new each year: book bags.

"Even if it's in perfect condition," Huschle said, "they have to have it new."

Back-to-School Shopping Tips

1. Create a budget. When preparing a back-to-school budget, start by taking a thorough inventory of what you already have and then develop a budget for what you still need. Then, list each item from most important to the least. By prioritizing, the list can be trimmed easily by cutting from the bottom.

2. Keep your perspective. While everyone wants his child to look his best, try to remember children get dirty, grow quickly and are very hard on clothes. Also, be sure to check in with your child's school dress code policies before purchasing any clothing.

3. Save on school supplies. Comparing prices with lower-priced outlets and office supply stores could save you money. Make sure to shop from the supply list provided to you by your child's school.

4. Involve your children. Shopping for school clothes and supplies also gives parents a great opportunity to teach their children about spending habits. Not only will they learn about smart shopping, they will value what you buy for them much more.

- Consumer Credit Counseling Service, www.cccsatl.org

aspates@herald-review.com|421-6986

The Associated Press contributed to this article.