TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - As back-to-school spending continues to rise, personal finance expert Rachel Cruze is urging families to adopt a "game plan" to manage high costs without accumulating debt.

According to the National Retail Federation, the average family with K-12 students will spend over $860 on back-to-school items this year.

High school technology and rising food prices, which Cruze noted have increased about 3. 6% over last year, are major contributors to the financial pinch."My number one tip with this is where you shop is really important," she said.