How far parents go to afford school supplies

This story version has been formatted as an on-air script for broadcast outlets. See the original research story here.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL COSTS ARE PUSHING MORE PARENTS INTO DEBT.

A NEW SURVEY OF 2,000 PARENTS FROM BEYOND FINANCE FOUND MANY ARE TAKING ON DEBT JUST TO BUY THEIR KIDS SCHOOL SUPPLIES, FROM CREDIT CARDS AND BUY-NOW-PAY-LATER PLANS TO PERSONAL LOANS.

THE STUDY, CONDUCTED BY TALKER RESEARCH, FOUND SEVEN IN TEN PARENTS FEEL PRESSURED TO BUY THE SAME CLOTHES, TECH AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES AS OTHER FAMILIES, EVEN WHEN THEY CAN'T AFFORD IT.

MANY ALSO ADMIT THEY'VE BOUGHT THINGS JUST TO KEEP THEIR CHILD FROM FEELING LEFT OUT.

SO... HAVE BACK-TO-SCHOOL COSTS CHANGED THE WAY YOUR FAMILY SHOPS THIS YEAR?

Research methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 parents of school-aged kids (5–17) who have access to the internet; the survey was commissioned by Beyond Finance and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between July 20 and July 27, 2026. A link to the questionnaire can be found here.

To view the complete methodology as part of AAPOR’s Transparency Initiative, please visit the Talker Research Process and Methodology page.