American parent comparing school supplies and household expenses during the 2026 back-to-school affordability crisis

When School Supplies Require Debt: Back-to-School Survival

America’s 2026 back-to-school season is exposing a widening affordability crisis as families face higher prices, shrinking real spending power and growing reliance on debt. Parents are cutting other expenses, draining savings and financing basic school supplies through credit cards and BNPL services.