With back-to-school season ahead, here are some ways you can save

With back-to-school season quickly approaching, many are looking ahead to -- or dreading -- the inevitable shopping trips.

From lunchboxes to laptops, school gear can rack up a big bill. The National Retail Association estimates that American families with kids K-12 will spend an average of $858.

If you're looking to save a few bucks, here's what we recommend:

Before heading to the mall, take an inventory of what you have at home. After you've taken stock, make a list of what you still need.

"One of my favorite apps when you're shopping in stores is the ShopSavvy app. This allows you to take a picture of a product barcode, then it shows you the current selling price and what retailers or competitors also are selling that same item for," suggests Andrea Woroch, a shopping expert.

If you're physically inside a store, many retailers will price match their competitors.

If you won't need an item until later in the school year, consider tracking its price and waiting to purchase.

"A lot of parents want to just check everything off their list, but if you have time, wait instead. Add that item to a price tracking app like Honey's Droplist or Karma. These are tools that will alert you when it goes on sale." Woroch recommends.

Pay attention to product guarantees.

"When you are buying anything for Back-to-School, whether it's a backpack, clothing, or winter coat, go with a brand that offers a guarantee," Woroch says. For example, "Target's Cat & Jack brand, they say you have a one-year guarantee on their apparel. If there is any damage from normal wear and tear, you can bring it back with the original receipt."

Plan to keep items as long as possible and remember your kids may outgrow certain styles.

A once-beloved cartoon-themed backpack might feel embarrassing for an older kid in several years. If there's no younger sibling to hand it down to, it might be better to invest in something more neutral and timeless.

Looking to get new tech? It's cheaper to buy a refurbished model from a reputable retailer.

"Amazon has the Amazon renewed section; Best Buy, Walmart, even Apple, they all sell certified refurbished, meaning they guarantee that any electronic that has been repaired, refurbished to work and look like new, and will work exactly like the new models," Woroch says.

Make sure you hold onto receipts and use cards and apps which offer rewards or cashback, or you're leaving money on the table.

Woroch says there are plenty of apps that can help you keep track.

"With Fetch, you take pictures of all your shopping receipts, including those for your groceries and gas or all your school purchases. You'll earn points. Let the points accumulate in your account, and then you can redeem those points for gift cards."