Seven Ways to Save More than 7% Sales Tax

This weekend is the tax free shopping weekend. You won't pay any tax on many back to school essentials for your family. In this tough economy, we want to help you use this weekend of savings to your fullest advantage. We found the top seven ways to help you save more than just 7% sales tax.

Here are the items exempt from 7% sales tax in South Carolina this weekend: clothing and accessories, footwear, school supplies, computers and computer equipment, and bedding and bath linens.

7. Check out discount stores, such as TJ Maxx, Marshalls, or Wal-Mart. And watch your favorite stores for sales. Many will have them this weekend. You'll see them advertised in newspapers and circulars, on TV and radio.

Shopper Rhonda Childress told us that's how she knows when to shop, "The sale papers that come in the newspaper, or get online and look."

6. Check your favorite store's website for coupons. And check out coupon sites like www.couponcraze.com and www.couponcabin.com.

Said shopper Deborah Schneider, "You can take advantage of some of the late season sales. And just really keeping your eyes and ears open for bargains."

5. Take inventory of your kids' wardrobe and buy only what they really need. And try everything on first, clothes and shoes. They won't wear what's not comfortable and you'll end up buying more.

4. Athletic wear and sports uniforms are tax free in South Carolina this weekend. But if you need athletic equipment, that's tax free in North Carolina this weekend. Consider a short drive if it's worth the savings.

3. Look for store ads, like five cent deals, on school supplies. Stock up for the year and buy the most inexpensive brands.

2. Consider a refurbished computer over a new one. Goodwill is a Microsoft Authorized computer refurbisher and sells them as cheap as $100.

And the number one way to save money is to use cash. That way you won't pay interest on credit card purchases and you won't go over budget.

That's seven ways to save a lot more than 7% sales tax.

The tax free weekend begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday and ends at midnight Sunday in both South and North Carolinas.

You can also shop online as long as you buy things during the tax free weekend. Here's a savings tip. Google the store and the words "coupon code" and you'll find websites that reveal coupon codes that can save you extra money on those purchases.