Thrifty Thinking - Summer Spending Survey (and Savings Tips)

 Scorching summer childcare costs threaten to push American parents to the brink.

 

New research from Savings.com reveals that parents typically spend over 300% more on childcare per month in the summer than during other months of the year, and 37% say covering these childcare costs causes significant stress.  

 

How are parents managing to afford all of their families’ summer expenses, including costly camps, family vacations, and even soaring energy bills? The study finds:

 

- Nearly a quarter of parents use credit cards or delay major purchases to get through the summer season

- 34% of parents take on additional gig work and 24% work overtime hours to make ends meet

- 59% of parents simply budget in advance, 35% clip coupons, and 34% cut back on luxuries like dining out

 

The study also found that more than a quarter of parents are stressed about simply finding summer childcare. More than half of parents handle at least some of the summer care themselves, 48% recruit relatives, and 22% rely on summer camps when school’s not in session.

 

Complete details are at: https://www.savings.com/insights/summer-spending-study.

I had a chance to learn more in this interview with Beth Klongpayabal of Savings.com. 

 

Why do families spend so much more on childcare in the summer?

 

During the school year, many families rely on free school-based care during work hours. But in summer, that structure disappears. According to the study, the average cost of childcare jumps from $70/month to $300/month—a 329% increase—because parents have to cover full-day care.

 

What are some ways parents and caregivers of school-aged kids try to find summer care?

 

Many turn to day camps, summer community programs, or local youth organizations like the YMCA. Scholarships and financial assistance can make it much more affordable for those that qualify. Others rely on family and friends or coordinate with other parents to share responsibilities. Some reduce work hours or shift to remote work temporarily to help cover the gap. 

 

What are some ways families can save money during the summer if their childcare costs go up?

• Ask around in local community groups on social media to find out what programs may be available in your area.
• Stick with a summer spending plan that delays large purchases and limits non-essentials—like eating out or entertainment—to offset the extra childcare spending.
• Use coupon sites like Savings.com for discounts on meal kits to build more family time or kids’ activities that can keep children engaged all summer. This would also be the first place I'd look to save money if unexpected summer purchases come up (like getting clothes for kids after growth spurts or replacing appliances when they go out).