You Told Us: Is Back-to-School Season Taxing Your Budget?

As the school year begins―and the kids need new shoes and supplies―RealSimple.com and MSN.com surveyed over 1,000 parents to find out how the economy is affecting their families. Here, the surprising―and somewhat uplifting―results.

Families Are Staying Close to Home

We asked: In order to save money this year, which family activity are you most likely to discontinue?

Parents seem to have no reservations about cutting restaurants out of the schedule: Fifty five percent say they’re content to eat at home. And though 30 percent of families are considering canceling full-fledged vacations, many are planning affordable getaways. “We have a tent and go camping at a nearby national park,” says one mom.

For tips on reducing your restaurant bill, see: 

• Surf for Restaurant Deals

For travel ideas, check out: 

• 6 Last-Minute Vacation Strategies
• 8 Secrets to a Great Family Vacation
• Traveling on a Budget

The MSN/Real Simple survey was conducted online in July 2009 with a random sample of 1025 men and women 18-plus who have children going back to school in the fall. All respondents are members of the Impulse Research proprietary online panel.