Back-to-school blight: 29% of parents can’t afford costs

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Close to a million Aussie households aren't financially prepared for back-to-school costs, according to new research by Finder.

A Finder survey of 1,010 respondents – 303 of whom have school aged children – revealed 29% won't be able to afford back-to-school costs this year.

That's an estimated 869,000 households who will struggle to fund their children's school requirements.

The research found 15% will have to go into debt to afford the back-to-school purchases, while 8% will have to buy second hand items or rely on hand-me-downs.

A further 4% of parents said their kids will have to use last year's stock, and a worrying 2% of children will go without supplies altogether.

Finder crunched the numbers and found that school expenses in 2025 are expected to set families back an eye-watering $13.6 billion for the year ahead.

That's $2,671 for each primary school child and $5,043 for secondary students per year on average.

Sarah Megginson, personal finance expert at Finder, said back-to-school costs are a huge burden for millions of households.

"Back-to-school costs are causing a huge amount of financial strain on those parents, who have barely recovered from the cost of Christmas.

"Household budgets are really tight at the start of a new year."

Finder research reveals more than half of parents (52%) say that social media adds pressure to buy their kids brand name goods for school.

Megginson recommended exploring alternative ways to manage back-to-school costs.

"Make the most of back-to-school sales and shop around, as prices can vary significantly between retailers.

"Post on local Facebook groups to see if anyone is giving away unused stationery, and investigate grants or assistance programs offered by your state or territory government."

Megginson urged those facing severe financial hardship to approach their child's school.

"Some schools have funds set aside and policies in place to help with essential items such as uniforms, excursions, and stationery supplies for families in financial trouble.

"Local charities and nonprofit organisations can also provide items like backpacks, clothing and other necessities for students in need, so make sure you look at all the options available to you."

Looking ahead, Megginson suggested families prepare for next year's expenses by starting a dedicated savings account.

"Contributing a small amount each month can help spread the cost and ease the financial burden when the new school year rolls around," Megginson said.

Will you be able to afford back-to-school costs this year?

No, I'll have to go into debt15%
No, I'll have to buy second hand/used/ hand me downs8%
No, they'll have to use last year's supplies4%
No, my child will have to go without2%
Yes71%
Source: Finder survey of 1,010 respondents, 303 of whom have school aged children, December 2024

Do you think social media adds pressure to buy your kids name brand goods for back to school?

Yes52%
No48%
Source: Finder survey of 1,010 respondents, 329 of whom have school aged children, December 2024

Methodology

  • Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker is a monthly recurring nationally representative survey of more than 60,000 respondents.
  • Figures in this release are based on 1,010 respondents – 303 of whom have school aged children – from December 2024.
  • The Consumer Sentiment Tracker is owned by Finder and operated by Qualtrics.
  • The survey has been running monthly since May 2019.

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