As summer comes to a close in Minneapolis, families are preparing for the new school year. August is a good time to stock up on school essentials, according to Consumer Reports. Discounts can be found on items such as pencils, notebooks, and children's clothing.

Back-to-school promotions are currently underway, with early Labor Day deals also starting to appear. Further details on the best times to shop and what to buy are available from Consumer Reports, including information on how prices may change throughout the month.