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Parents Anticipate Spending Nearly $900 Per Child on Back-to-School Shopping

Parents Anticipate Spending Nearly $900 Per Child on Back-to-School Shopping

A GMA/Ipsos poll reveals that U.S. parents expect to spend an average of $885 per child on back-to-school shopping this year. The survey indicates that 68% of parents believe prices for school-related items have increased compared to last year. Despite noticing higher prices, only 40% of parents plan to spend more, while 46% expect to spend the same amount. The poll highlights demographic differences, with lower-income and younger parents more likely to increase their spending. The survey also notes variations in spending expectations based on political affiliation.

Rising Costs of School Supplies Add Financial Strain on U.S. Families

Rising Costs of School Supplies Add Financial Strain on U.S. Families

The cost of school supplies in the U.S. has increased by 7.7% this year, with parents spending an average of $173.45 on essential items. This rise is attributed to factors such as tariffs and increased fuel costs, which affect the price of goods like lunchboxes, notebooks, and pencils. Additionally, school lunch essentials have seen an 11% price hike, further straining family budgets. The Groundwork Collaborative and The Century Foundation highlight that these increases are particularly burdensome for women, who often manage household purchases.

August Brings Back-to-School and End-of-Summer Sales Opportunities

August Brings Back-to-School and End-of-Summer Sales Opportunities

August Brings Back-to-School and End-of-Summer Sales Opportunities

Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Begins in West Virginia and Ohio

Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Begins in West Virginia and Ohio

The annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday has commenced in West Virginia, allowing residents to purchase certain items without paying state or local sales tax. The holiday runs from July 31 to August 3, covering items such as clothing, computers, and school supplies. Ohio's tax holiday will follow from August 7 to August 9. This initiative aims to ease the financial burden on families preparing for the new school year.

Americans Are Turning to AI for Credit Help—But Is It Working?

Americans Are Turning to AI for Credit Help—But Is It Working?

Gen Z debt is rising, credit counseling demand is at a 10-year high, and many people are discovering that debt consolidation loans don’t always stop the cycle. In this episode, Ted Rossman, Money Management International breaks down what’s driving the surge in debt management plan enrollments and ...

Prices of 2,311 Food Products to Rise in Japan in August

Prices of 2,311 Food Products to Rise in Japan in August

In August, prices for 2,311 food products and beverages in Japan are set to increase, marking the second consecutive month with over 2,000 items affected. This rise, reported by Teikoku Databank, reflects an 83.1% increase from the previous year, driven by rising materials and logistics costs amid Middle East tensions. The momentum of price hikes is expected to peak in the coming months, with 4,531 items set for price increases in September, the highest in three years. The total number of products subject to price hikes in 2026 is likely to exceed 20,000.

U.S. Households Face Rising Water and Sewer Bills Amid Infrastructure Investments

U.S. Households Face Rising Water and Sewer Bills Amid Infrastructure Investments

A recent report highlights that American households are now spending a median of $1,065 annually on water and sewer services. This increase is attributed to ongoing capital infrastructure investments and rising operational expenses. The report, conducted by bill payment platform doxo, indicates that 72% of U.S. households pay water and sewer bills, with a median monthly payment of $89. Nationally, water and sewer services account for an estimated $139 billion annual market, with costs increasing by 2.8% year over year. The report also notes that electricity bills have seen the largest annual increase at 6.46%, while water and sewer costs continue to rise alongside waste and recycling services. Maryland has the highest median monthly water and sewer bill at $245, contributing to the highest overall median utility cost of $625 per month.

US Economy's Growth Slows in Second Quarter Amid AI Demand and Trade Deficit

US Economy's Growth Slows in Second Quarter Amid AI Demand and Trade Deficit

US Economy's Growth Slows in Second Quarter Amid AI Demand and Trade Deficit

US economy grows a sluggish 1.5% second-quarter with inflation remaining stubbornly high

US economy grows a sluggish 1.5% second-quarter with inflation remaining stubbornly high

The U.S. economy expanded at a sluggish 1.5% pace from April through June as rising imports weighed on growth

Consumers, AI spending likely supported US economic growth in the second quarter

Consumers, AI spending likely supported US economic growth in the second quarter

By Lucia Mutikani WASHINGTON, July 30 (Reuters) - The U.S. economy likely maintained a steady pace of growth in the second quarter, supported by stronger consumer spending and robust business investment in equipment tied to the buildout of artificial intelligence infrastructure.

U.S. GDP Growth Slows to 1.5% in Second Quarter of 2026 Amid Decreased Government Spending

U.S. GDP Growth Slows to 1.5% in Second Quarter of 2026 Amid Decreased Government Spending

U.S. GDP Growth Slows to 1.5% in Second Quarter of 2026 Amid Decreased Government Spending

Imports hold back US economic growth in Q2, but domestic demand robust

Imports hold back US economic growth in Q2, but domestic demand robust

By Lucia Mutikani WASHINGTON, July 30 (Reuters) - U.S. economic growth slowed in the second quarter as imports widened the trade deficit, but robust consumer spending and business investment related to the buildout of artificial intelligence infrastructure underscored strong domestic demand.