Survey: Parents delay back-to-school spending and budgeting

Wilmington, Del. A poll released Wednesday by Chase Card Services found that 55% of families have yet to begin back-to-school shopping, and 62% have not set a budget for back-to-school purchases.

Of the 38% of Americans who have set a budget for back-to-school shopping this year, 41% said their budgets are smaller this year as compared with 2009, the survey found.

The poll found that parents will be focusing on the basics, with 34% saying they plan to just buy must-have items. Parents also are looking to save with the following tactics: shopping at discount stores (59%), reusing school-related supplies (36%) and clipping coupons (24%).