Many residents in Connecticut are getting some help cutting costs with back-to-school shopping, thanks to a tax-free holiday week.

Back-to-school shoppers have just today and tomorrow to take advantage of Connecticut’s annual tax-free holiday.

The 17th annual tax-free holiday allows a tax exemption for most clothing and footwear priced below $100.

The National Retail Federation says back-to-school spending is expected to see its second highest spending level on record. 

Total spending for school and college combined is projected to hit $83.6 billion, a 10 percent increase from last year.

According to the NRF, families with elementary through high school children will spend an average of almost $690.

Clothing, electronics, shoes and school supplies, such as notebooks and backpacks, top the list of expenditures.

The tax-free holiday applies to clothing, but when it comes to other back-to-school supplies, the Connecticut Better Business Bureau offered some tips to help cut costs.

First, check your home's inventory and see if you have some supplies laying around from last year.

Create a budget and sign up for alerts from stores that may be offering sales.

Lastly, look for stores offering student discounts and if you shop at home, look for online discounts.