After two months of lackluster sales events, the month of May brings discounts during Mother's Day and Memorial Day weekend bargains.

As prices rise, parents are cutting back in some areas to afford back-to-school shopping, but smart shopping strategies can help stretch your dollar further.

So long, summer. Hello, binders, backpacks and what looks to be record spending on back-to-school shopping. Parents can expect higher prices this year, but there are some simple strategies to keep the tab in check.