With the 2008-2009 school year beginning in just four weeks, many consumers are already preparing. Given this fact, you'll be happy to know the 2008 Sales Tax Holiday weekend is almost here.

According to the N.C. Department of Revenue Web site, beginning at 12:01 a.m. Friday and continuing through 11:59 p.m. Sunday night, many items needed for a successful school year will be exempt from state sales tax.

Because of the economic downturn, many families will be doing some creative budgeting in order to participate in this year's sale. While consumers will certainly cut back where they must, the Sales Tax holiday weekend offers many savings opportunities.

The most obvious savings is of course the sales tax. However, most retailer's will offer some of their best prices on clothing and electronics equipment. In addition, most have already begun summer clearance sales. Many of these items are perfect for the first few months of school.

Furthermore, some stores feature pre-season coat sales, with great prices and a full range of sizes. And finally, school supplies will never be more plentiful or inexpensive as they are this time of year.

As both a mother and grandmother, I've had occasion to replace things like book bags or lunchboxes in January. Not only are these items twice as expensive at that time, they are difficult if not impossible to find. Buying two now for $15-$20 beats spending $25 or $30 later for just one.

Though the required supply lists aren't always available this early, visit the school's Web site for last year's list. If you don't know the Web site address, visit the Onslow County School Web site at www.onslow.k12.nc.us, click on School Directory and you'll find the link to your specific school.

The Sales Tax Holiday exempt items fall into six different categories. They are clothing with a sales price of $100 or less per item; sports or recreational equipment priced at $50 or less per item; computers less than $3,500 per item; computer supplies at $250 or less per item; school supplies priced at less than $100 per item; and finally, school instructional material with a price of $300 or less per item.

Though the NCDOR doesn't provide an all-inclusive list of exempt items, you can get a general idea of what's tax free by visiting their Web site at Sales Tax Holiday and click on the link.

As you peruse this list, there are opportunities for the occasional chuckle. The clothing list covers virtually all you'd expect to buy for a school-bound child - but it also includes wedding and formal wear, though not rentals of these items.

In the recreational sports list, you'll find the usual cleated shoes and shin guards, but you'll also see life preservers and vests.

Savings abound next weekend so consider cutting another area of your budget to take advantage of these sales. Its definitely worth it.