⁠Their finances were tough. Then came 'insane' back-to-school costs

Families are facing significant financial strain due to escalating back-to-school expenses. The cost for a typical school supply list has reached nearly $175. Certain essential items, including notebooks, tissues, and lunch boxes, have seen price increases of 20% or more compared to the previous year. These rising costs are creating difficult financial situations for parents as they attempt to secure necessary materials for the upcoming academic term amidst general inflationary pressures on basic goods.