Parents spend less during back to school shopping

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. (NBC, KYMA) - It's only July, but in some districts, it's already time to think about heading back to school, and it should come as no surprise that this year, the school supplies are are costing more.

Financial researchers with NerdWallet just found an unexpected shift. In a year where costs for school supplies are up, they've actually found that shoppers are spending less.

"Great prices. $0.38 for a composition book," said Carolina Arrendondo, Walmart store manager.

Clarissa Jerez followed the deals to Walmart's Shawline location.

"He's going to be in first grade...and then, I also like to get dry erase markers," Jerez shared.

A national NerdWallet study found shoppers plan to spend about $130 less this year than they did last year, even though prices aren't budging and Jerez noticed.

When asked what's the difference when shopping for back to school supplies, Jerez said, "I say at least 50% more, but I also have to look at this way where when my check comes, I gotta put aside money for him, for his school supplies, away from all the other bills."

That tracks with the same study also finding 25% of shoppers plan to cut back to school spending to make room for other living expenses.

Jerez says last shopping season drained her pockets, so part of her strategy this time around: It is only buying what her son really needs.

"If he still fits in his uniforms like from last year, I can keep those. Make sure I put them away and bring them back out again. Backpacks you know, wear and tear. So new backpack, new folders, new binders," Jerez explained.

She leaves her son at home while she shops, bringing the kids can really slow the mission.

"Because he wants a lot of things that catches attention, like he needs this and that, and it's hard to budget with your child in the store," Jerez expressed.

Shop early before the next rush in August.