Back-to-school spending has become a stress test for household finances

School shopping is exposing how little room many consumers have left after paying for the basics

SAN MATEO, Calif., Aug. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Back-to-school season is usually measured by what families spend on supplies, clothing and technology. But the more telling figure may be what they must borrow, draw down or give up to cover the cost, according to digital personal finance company Achieve.