Back-to-school shopping is big business in the US, and spending is projected to reach $17.6 billion this year according to a recent survey conducted by BIGresearch for the NRF. Families with school-aged children will spend an average of $527 on needed back to school supplies, and many of these shoppers will be turning to the web make their dollars stretch.

Shopping online is attractive for many reasons, but the biggest reason most moms turn to the web for their shopping is the thrill of the hunt! A little online detective work can save these moms big!

Many of these "CleverMoms" have discovered the secret world of online coupon codes. These secret codes can be quickly plugged in to a "discount" or "promotional" code box when shoppers check out at their favorite online merchants. Most coupons provide free shipping or 5% - 30% off of an order, but sometimes shoppers can get lucky and find savings in coupons of 50% or more!

Anne Fognano of Leesburg, Va., discovered the secret of the codes in 1999 when shopping in public became overwhelming with a baby and a toddler. "If my baby wasn't crying, my toddler would be racing through the store playing hide and seek! Shopping was just not a pleasant experience for me! " Seeking an alternative to shopping with kids in tow, Fognano started scoping out merchants online when her kids were napping. She was amazed at the discounts and free coupons available for online merchants and was determined to create an online community where she could compile this information to help other busy moms save money.

Working late night hours as her family slept, she pioneered "CleverMoms.com" where today, over 10,000 moms a day begin their online shopping savings adventures. The mom-created and run site currently offers sales, discounts and coupons for over 600 popular online merchants, and is updated several times a day. CleverMoms is a free service to consumers, registration is optional, and links are provided to listed merchants from the site.

In 2004 Fognano added "CleverDads.com" and "CleverBabies.com," and plans to release "CleverTeens.com" by the summer of 2007. "CleverMoms.com" has been featured in many publications including 'Woman's Day', 'Woman's World,' and 'Smart Money Online.' CleverMoms has also been featured as Marshall Loeb's Money tip.

So forget dragging your kids to the mall this year for back-to-school shopping! Simply boot up the computer and start saving online! You too can join the ranks of these "CleverMoms," now that you know the secret of the codes!