It’s a popular shopping weekend for Texas families, so get this date on your calendar. Tax-Free Weekend in Texas returns August 17-19, 2012. It’s typically scheduled in mid-August before school starts to give families a little financial help on back-to-school shopping. As in the past, Texans can enjoy a break from local and state sales tax on most clothing, shoes, backpacks, and school supplies priced under $100. One again, lay-away plans can be used to take advantage of the weekend savings.

Check out the Texas government Web site for all the details. Savings equals about $8 for every $100 spent if you don’t mind fighting the crowds! Many retailers add their own back-to-school sales for bonanza deals.