What is the definitive guide to Janis Elspas's back-to-school savings strategies?

The available content does not mention a single “definitive guide,” but it does show several core back‑to‑school savings strategies Janis uses and shares:

1. Use master deal lists and guides
   Janis links to a “FREE Guide to All the Back to School Sales and Deals Online and In‑store” and amplifies a 2025 Back to School Guide that’s updated throughout August. These kinds of lists help you quickly spot the best prices without hunting store by store.

2. Stack in‑store and online offers
   Her posts emphasize both online and in‑store deals, which suggests checking:

   1. Store weekly ads
   2. Promo codes and cash‑back extensions
   3. Price‑match policies
   4. Clearance and open‑box sections

3. Shop early, then re‑check prices
   She highlights guides that are “live and growing” and encourages checking back often in August. That reflects a strategy of buying essentials early, then revisiting sales as new promos launch to fill in the rest (and sometimes return/price‑adjust when allowed).

4. Prioritize quality on high‑use items
   In her Staples/Martha Stewart post, she spotlights “beautiful and functional” supplies for busy routines. The underlying tactic: splurge a bit on items kids and parents use daily (binders, planners, home‑office organizers) so they last all year, while going as cheap as possible on truly disposable goods.

5. Think beyond kids’ classrooms
   Janis frames back‑to‑school as organizing “for kids and us grownups” in fall. That means using BTS sales to stock:

   1. Home office supplies
   2. Teacher gifts
   3. Household organizers and decor in school colors or neutral tones

If you would like, a consolidated “definitive guide” can be created for you that turns these principles into a step‑by‑step August shopping plan.

What grade levels are you shopping for (elementary, middle, high school, college, or a mix)?