stress

Economy Continues to Strain Families, Affecting Both Children and Marriages

Seventy-eight percent of families report that they’ve been affected by the economic downturn according to a recent online survey from Disney. As economic uncertainty continues parents remain cautious, with forty-eight percent reporting they are concerned about job security and the current job market, up from thirty-six percent in 2008. As a result, fifty-three percent of parents have cut back on overall spending for their children.

Further survey findings include:

• 72% of respondents reported reducing or eliminating eating out altogether
• 78% of respondents report changing their grocery shopping habits by leveraging advertised sales, clipping coupons, and buying generic brands
• 74% of respondents said they are only purchasing essential items and will be making little to no impulse purchases this holiday season
• 59% have eliminated or changed vacation plans for a cheaper alternative

“A year into the recession, family finance remains a top concern among parents everywhere. Parents continue to be focused on stretching every dollar,” said Emily Smith, Vice President of the Disney Online Mom and Family Portfolio. “We are pleased to offer a range of content on Disney Family.com that will help parents keep their families on track for financial success.”