Survey: 23% of parents delay saving

Beyond Finance published survey findings on August 5 saying many U.S. parents expect to take on debt to cover back-to-school costs as household budgets remain strained. The Chicago-based debt relief company said the spending pressure is pushing some families to delay saving, debt repayment and even housing payments. The results were released in a company newsroom post and were also reported by Chain Drug Review. Beyond Finance framed the pattern as a “Back-to-School Parent Trap,” describing it as pressure to keep children from feeling left out. ### How many parents said school shopping will force other financial tradeoffs? Beyond Finance said 23% of parents surveyed expect to delay saving for the future in order to afford back-to-school expenses. The same survey found 20% expect to delay paying down debt and 15% expect to delay rent or mortgage payments, according to the company’s August 5 release. (beyondfinance.com) Nearly 40% of parents said they expect to take on debt specifically to cover back-to-school costs, Beyond Finance said. The company also said 58% of parents described back-to-school shopping as more stressful than the holidays. ### What did Beyond Finance say is driving the pressure? Seven in 10 parents said they feel pressure to keep up with other families during back-to-school season, according to Beyond Finance. (beyondfinance.com) The company said 61% reported making purchases solely to avoid their child feeling left out. Beyond Finance said 15% of parents plan to use personal or payday loans to cover school-related costs, and 8% said they have gambled to pay for those expenses. (beyondfinance.com) The company attributed the strain to a mix of rising household debt and seasonal school shopping demands. ### How large are back-to-school costs this year? (beyondfinance.com) NerdWallet said families are expected to spend more than $600 per child on school supplies, clothing and books this season. CBS Colorado, citing the same NerdWallet survey, reported families will spend just over $600 per child. The Week reported that school-supply costs have risen nearly 8% in 2026. (beyondfinance.com) In Missouri, KSHB reported that the state’s tax-free weekend runs from Friday through Sunday at midnight as families look for ways to cut costs. ### How was the Beyond Finance survey conducted? Beyond Finance said the research was based on a survey of 2,000 parents of school-aged children in the United States. (money.usnews.com) The company’s newsroom post said the findings were released on August 5. The survey was published by a debt relief company, not a government statistical agency or academic institution. (wtop.com) Beyond Finance used the findings to argue for earlier budget planning, shopping sales and avoiding unnecessary borrowing, according to its release. ### What are parents being told to do next? Beyond Finance said parents should start with a written budget, prioritize required items and use discounts and sales where possible to reduce borrowing. (beyondfinance.com) The company’s August 5 release presented those steps as ways to limit the need for new debt during the school shopping season. August is the key period for those decisions because school shopping is already underway in much of the United States. The Beyond Finance findings are available in the company’s newsroom post dated August 5, 2026, and in follow-on coverage published the same day. (beyondfinance.com)