School is almost out for the summer. Once your child is home on break, you can take inventory of what supplies are left that are still in good condition. Often, binders, backpacks, lunchboxes and clothes can be used again in the fall. The first reader tip is great because the kids can have a "new" backpack without spending any money.

JUST LIKE NEW: I put away my kids' backpacks at the end of the school year. The following year, I buy new backpacks and then put those away at the end of the year. At the beginning of the following school year, I pull out the ones that were put away the first time, and it's like new backpacks! This makes them last two years and avoids the "everyone else has a new backpack, and I want a new one, too" whines.

- Angelee, Missouri

REUSE PACKAGING: I save the wrappers from sliced cheese to separate the frozen burgers that I make myself. I just throw them in a container that I keep in the freezer, then use them when I'm ready to make my burgers. I also make use of empty cereal, cracker, tortilla and frozen-waffle bags for lunches. Another is reusing my washed foil. I also find the brown-paper lining in sugar bags to be the perfect weight for draining fried foods.

- Theresa, Florida

MAKE IT LAST: To extend the life of pantyhose and knee-highs, try applying some ordinary hairspray to the toe area. A quick spray after each wash will prevent the toe area from wearing through. A sticky zipper can come unstuck when sprayed heavily with starch or when they are rubbed with a candle, too.

- Sarah L., e-mail

Sara Noel is the owner of Frugal Village (www.frugalvillage.com), a Web site that offers practical, money-saving strategies for everyday living. To send tips, comments or questions, write to Sara Noel, c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016, or e-mail sara@frugalvillage.com.