DENTON, Texas (UNT) -- Texas' annual sales tax holiday runs Aug. 5 – 7 (Friday through Sunday) this year, with state shoppers saving about $8 on every $100 spent on most clothes, backpacks, shoes and other school-related supplies priced under $100. Paul Goebel, senior director of the University of North Texas Student Money Management Center, can talk to media about ways families can stay within their budgets and get the most bang for their buck during the tax-free weekend.

Contact Goebel at paul.goebel@unt.edu, 940-369-7761 (office) or 940-597-8105 (cell). He will be available now through Aug. 7 for in-person, phone and email interviews.

Goebel offers his top six tips for Texas families to maximize savings on the sales tax holiday:

• Make a list and stick to it. Sticking to a list and staying within your budget are the most important things to do. Don't put three items on your list and come out with 10 just because the others were on sale. Every state, including Texas, has a full list of eligible, tax-free purchases, so be sure your items are on that list.
• Recycle from home. Families should shop at home first and identify things – such as backpacks, lunchboxes and binders – in the home that can be used again. Buying everything new adds up quickly.
• Plan your shopping day and be patient. Texans should expect bigger crowds in the stores. Review your list and figure out what are the most important needs on that list. Go to those main stores first to ensure you don't miss out on those savings. The big crowds will also cause longer wait and checkout lines. Go early to make the most of your time and be prepared to hurry up and wait.
• Buy in bulk. This is especially helpful if there are several siblings at home. Families can enjoy the savings of bulk purchases on items all the kids need, like pencils and paper.
• Leave the credit card at home. Using cash is a great control tool to prevent impulse buys and keep Texans on budget. Plus, fees from credit card use can be detrimental to any savings from sales and tax-free buys.
• Price match. Compare prices, both online and in-store, to get the best deal. Many stores will add sales on top of the holiday that will make your money go even further.