I have previously confessed that I'm a school supply hoarder. There's just something about all of those brand new pencils, notebooks, and rulers that gets me all sorts of excited. However they can also get me all sorts of in debt if I don't curb my hoarding tendencies to scoop up everything my kids need (and I want) willy-nilly.

Over the years, I've gotten smarter about how and when to shop for school supplies on the cheap. I've learned that with a little planning and willpower, equipping your kids with the supplies they need doesn't have to break the bank. So whether buying school supplies gives you a thrill or it's just another drill, here are six ways to save some of your hard-earned dollars when doing so.

People always love to complain about "kids today." There is no doubt that kids today are being raised in a world that is so very different than the one I was raised in. Most teens today can't remember a world before cellphones and many, many of them have them. With all the smartphones around, why shouldn't kids be taking full advantage of the advanced kind of school work and note taking these devices afford?

Looking back on my own school years, I can scarcely imagine a world where I could just pop open my iPad and start taking notes. There are also recording devices and Internet access built into most smartphones and tablets. This must make school discussions so much livelier and more interesting.

I am so envious!

So your teen has a cellphone. Maybe you love it and maybe you hate it. For one: It's always ringing, or buzzing, or playing some stupid, Hey, I just met you, and this is crazy ... ringtone. Or maybe they've taken to texting you to pass the butter at the dinner table instead of asking. The horror!

I'm sure, though, that part of the reason you bought said cellphone was not only to keep tabs in touch, but also to teach your teen to be responsible for his/her belongings. Umm, mom and dad ... do you really think your kid is worried about learning a thing or two about responsibility? Nnnootttt. The first thought that popped into their head was how they're going to personalize every inch of their brand spankin' new gadget. And well, if you can't beat 'em, might as well join 'em, right? Here are a few tips that'll turn decorating and bedazzling your teen's cellphone into a fun treat for the whole family!

There's something about school supplies that drives me wild. Ever since I was a little girl in awe of the amazing Trapper Keeper and boxes of crayons as big as my head, I've been mesmerized by them and their promise.

When I see the back-to-school sales pop up (just a few days after school ends it seems), I get all sorts of giddy ... and I start shopping. I pick up a few things here. A few things there. I figure my kids are going to need them for years to come, and they're all just so shiny, bright, and tempting. So when there's a sale on pencils, I scoop them up. Glue sticks, scissors, and rulers, oh my, and into my basket they go.

Before I know it, I have enough school supplies to provide for the entire third grade (maybe part of the fourth too), and I must face the facts -- I'm a school supply hoarder. You may be too. Here are six signs: 

Are you excited as I am about putting the kid on a bus and sending them back to school? Sorry to burst your bubble, but there's one little monster waiting in that closet ready to jump out and scream Ooga Booga and scare the heck out of us. I'm talking about homework, people!

Oh how we dread the inevitable fight with a kid who is really glad to be done with the school day and really not looking forward to settling down to do worksheets and spelling lists. But what if it didn't have to be a fight? What if there was a perfect way to get the homework done so they'll be a superstar in school?

Back-to-school season is also back-to-sports season, in case you didn't already know that. Pee-wee football kicks off, swimming lessons go back on the calendar, and Saturday morning soccer games are the center of everything. With all the activities back in full swing, it's time to make a plan. Not for drop-offs and pick-ups. Not for after practice snacks and team bonding dinners.

Moms, in order to get through the action-packed, sweat-streaked sports season, it's time to talk about where you're going to house all that sports gear, and I've got five tricks that'll make storing the stuff a cinch!

As soon as those course books are handed out the first day of class, there is one thing every kid must do. No, not read it from front to back. I'm talking about putting on textbook covers.

Back in the day, brown paper was the only option. For those who like that old-school feel, it's still a nice route. There are fun, low-cost, and environmentally-friendly choices for your family to choose from. Take a look at the coolest ways to cover text books this school year.

Do you have other creative book cover ideas?

Image via rob.wall/Flickr

It's Back to School time, but no one has to know your child spent the entire summer vegging out on TV and video games, the corners of his mouth encrusted in sugary cereal. Seriously, there's an easy way to cover up the effects of Summer Brain Drain (and your mommy guilt). Just dress them in smart tees and no one will be the wiser.

And, you know, the old "fake it 'til you make it" adage might apply here too. Maybe if they wear brainy shirts long enough, the smarts they imply will start to rub off.

Check out these 7 t-shirts that will make your kids look smart when they head back to class. 

Image via Five Fingers Tees