Back-to-School Sales Abound

We're all watching our family budgets these days. Whether shopping with coupons or looking for two-for-one deals, we're taking advantage of all sorts of offers and savings that help us make our dollars as valuable as possible.

Here are some deals that hopefully will stretch your dollars to the max:

1. Back-to-School Sales

Deal: Now is the time to get ready for school, especially if you can find bargain deals on school supplies. 

Here is a roundup of deals on school supplies from SouthernSavers.com. Stores in Powder Springs and Lithia Springs include , Kroger (three), Publix (two), , Walgreens (three) and Walmart (two). 

For , with your Star Teacher Member Card, you get an extra 20 percent off up to $20.

2. Another Borders Closing

Deal: Borders' bankruptcy is resulting in store closings nationwide. As of Friday evening, everything in the closing store in Douglas County's Arbor Place Mall was on sale at 20 to 40 percent off the list price as part of a closing sale that began in mid-July.

Romance novels, calendars, music CDs and licensed gift items are 30 percent off.

All fixtures, furniture and equipment also are being sold. However, "a 10 percent buyer's premium must be assessed to fixture sales." 

One sales clerk said she had "no idea" when the store will close. 

No checks are accepted—only cash and credit cards. All sales are final with no returns. All manufacturer's warranties are in full effect.

Location: Arbor Place Mall, 6594 Douglas Blvd., Douglasville

Contact: 770-577-9787

Hours: Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

3. Free Hunting Classes in the Springs

Deal: Hunter education classes will be offered in Powder Springs early next week. These free classes are taught by the Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources as a requirement before season hunting licenses may be purchased.

Sign up here. As of Monday, 39 places were open.

Only 35 spots are left for the Aug. 16 and 18 classes at . 

However, a hunter education course is not required to purchase an Apprentice License or a three-day Combo Hunting/Fishing License.  Hunter education courses certified or mandated by any state wildlife agency or Canadian province are accepted. Also, hunter education is not required to hunt on one's own land or land of a parent or guardian. 

Besides the free classroom course, course options include a free CD-ROM course or three online courses (with varying fees). Students may request a copy of the free CD-ROM from any Game Management or Law Enforcement office.

Hours: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Monday and Aug. 10 in Powder Springs and Aug. 16 and 18 in Lithia Springs

Location: Springville Masonic Lodge, 4011 Austell-Powder Springs Road, Powder Springs; Sweetwater Creek State Park, 1750 Mount Vernon Road, Lithia Springs

4. Sign Up Now for Free Chick-fil-A Tea

Deal: Participating Chick-fil-A restaurants in the metro Atlanta and Athens areas are giving away free half-gallon iced teas (sweet or unsweetened) through Aug. 13. Supplies are limited to one free item per customer with a printed reservation. No purchase is needed.

Go here to make your reservation and to see which Chick-fil-A restaurants still have open slots. Here is the reservation link for the , where slots are open for Aug. 10-13 as of Tuesday morning. 

5. Free Friday Film in Douglasville

Deal: Bring your own seating to this free Friday night movie in historic downtown Douglasville. "The Goonies" will be showing.

Pre-movie contests and entertainment also will precede the movie. No alcoholic beverages are allowed.

Hours: 8 to 11 p.m., Friday

Location: O'Neal Plaza between West Broad and Church streets at the fountain, Douglasville

Contacts: Douglasville Convention and Visitors Bureau, 678-715-6068, www.visitdouglasville.com 

Remember: You also can help military families overseas with your expired coupons through Coupon Mom's Military Coupon Program.