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20% of Parents Use Credit Cards for School Supplies

8/14/2026

38 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 U.S. parents and found 20% used credit cards and 23% used buy-now-pay-later for school supplies.
Seventy percent said back-to-school shopping is the most financially stressful event, with 58% adding it tops holiday stress.
Parents cited a $1,200 MacBook Air and a $600 Coach wallet, with 74% feeling guilty and 69% fearing they are seen as failing parents.

History

Historical Context

The 2008 crisis saw U.S. household debt climb to 127 % of disposable income and mortgage debt reach 73 % of GDP ($10.5 trillion) by 2008, prompting the Federal Reserve’s emergency rate cuts and the Obama administration’s stimulus package. That surge in leverage created a lasting habit of financing everyday purchases, now reflected in parents’ reliance on credit cards and buy-now-pay-later for back-to-school spending.

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Story summary

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 U.S. parents and found 20% used credit cards and 23% used buy-now-pay-later for school supplies.
Seventy percent said back-to-school shopping is the most financially stressful event, with 58% adding it tops holiday stress.
Parents cited a $1,200 MacBook Air and a $600 Coach wallet, with 74% feeling guilty and 69% fearing they are seen as failing parents.

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