Sharpie shows consumers how to be back-to-school cool without breaking the bank

OAK BROOK, Ill. Sharpie is teaming up with Laura Rowley, personal finance expert and finance columnist at Yahoo!, to help educate consumers of innovative ways to send their kids back to school without spending a fortune or compromising new-school style.

According to a recent survey by the National Retail Federation, families with kids in grades kindergarten through 12 are expected to spend $548 on school supplies this year. The survey also reported nearly 9-in-10 Americans plan to adjust their back-to-school shopping habits to save money.

"This year the buzz is all about the bargain," said Rowley. "Moms are looking for ways to stretch their back-to-school budgets while still letting their kids show up with the latest trends. The good news is there are lots of easy, creative and inexpensive ways to ensure kids' make the grade and moms save."

For more creative and cost-effective back-to-school recommendations from Rowley and the Sharpie Squad, a group of bloggers and creative artists,  visit www.sharpieuncapped.com.