Back-to-school shopping gets most of the attention, but the spending rarely stops once classes begin. In fact, the family school budget can take a bigger hit after the backpacks are packed and the first-day photos are posted. PwC’s 2026 Back-to-School Survey found parents expect another $635 per household each month in recurring school-related expenses, including fees, meals, and snacks. Those smaller expenses can be particularly troublesome because they arrive separately and may never look like a major financial decision. Knowing where the money tends to disappear can help parents set limits before September spending becomes a yearlong problem.
