8/15/2013
Nearly half of working moms say clothing and school uniforms are their biggest back-to-school expense, and 29% say these items cause the most financial distress, according to Chase Card Services and Working Mother Media. Two in 10 working moms (21%) expect extracurricular activities, such as sports and music lessons, to be the biggest expense.
Most working moms (52%) plan to use a debit card or check card when shopping for back-to-school items. They looked to save money by seeking special offers (86%), using coupons (61%), shopping at larger discount stores (57%), and reusing items from last year (50%). Two in three (62%) would purchase a laptop or tablet if money were no object.
More than one in four working moms (28%) cite balancing work and children’s needs as their biggest challenge this fall. A third (37%) plan to change their work schedules to accommodate their children’s needs, but, instead of working fewer hours, moms plan to adjust their workday. Most (85%) are somewhat or very comfortable with the change.
SOURCES: Chase Card Services, Erin Smolenski, 201 N. Walnut St., Wilmington, DE; 302-282-8460; erin.smolenski@chase.com; www.chase.com.
Working Mother Media, Jennifer Owens, Editorial Director, 2 Park Ave., 10th Fl., New York, NY 10016; 212-779-5000; jennifer.owens@workingmother.com; www.workingmothermediainc.com.
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