Credit Sesame explores how the cost of convenience is hitting parents harder and what it could mean for their finances.
Parenting brings deep rewards but also constant financial demands. From groceries and clothes to school supplies, everyday expenses can stretch a budget thin. That is before even factoring in major costs like paying for college.
In response, many parents turn to convenience services such as food delivery, ride shares, and online retail to save time. But these small conveniences may be quietly adding up and putting extra strain on household finances.
According to financial firm SoFi, the annual cost of raising a child is about $23,000. That represents over a quarter of the average household’s after-tax income. Of course, the burden becomes even heavier if you have multiple children.
As the cost of raising children continues to climb, many parents understandably turn to services that save time and reduce stress. Whether it is delivered meals or a quick ride across town, these small conveniences can offer real relief. Still, for families watching their budgets closely, it helps to step back and look at how much these services are adding to monthly expenses. A few small adjustments could go a long way toward easing financial pressure.
Study findings
A TransUnion survey compared how households with and without children use gig-economy services like food delivery, ride sharing, and online retail. The results showed that parents rely on these conveniences far more often and spend significantly more. Here’s how the numbers compare:
| Service category | Households with children | Households without children |
| Prepared food delivered weekly | 61% | 40% |
| Retail delivery weekly | 54% | 33% |
| Ride sharing weekly | 53% | 36% |
| $500+ per month spend on services | 23% | 5% |
These figures suggest that the convenience gap between parents and non-parents comes with a real financial cost.
For households already working to stay on top of bills or manage debt, this extra spending can tighten margins even further. When budgets are stretched, it may become harder to make on-time payments or avoid high credit card balances. Both of these factors can affect your credit score.
How these services increase household costs
These results are understandable. Parents often turn to convenience services to save time and reduce daily stress. What matters is knowing how much that convenience actually costs over time.
Take the most popular category: food delivery. Prepared food is almost always more expensive than cooking at home. Then come the delivery fees, followed by a tip for the driver.
Based on the usage figures, households with children are about 50 percent more likely to take on these extra weekly expenses. That can be a meaningful addition to the family budget.
Other convenience services also add up. The individual charges may seem small, but over the course of a year, they can significantly affect your finances and make it worth reconsidering how often you rely on them.
How parents may be able to make life easier without overspending
Convenience is often a lifeline for busy families, and there is nothing wrong with finding ways to make daily life more manageable. But when money is tight, small changes can still help ease the pressure without sacrificing too much comfort.
- Meal planning. Planning between grocery runs can make mealtimes less stressful and help avoid last-minute takeout.
- Advance meal prep. Even prepping one or two meals in advance can make a busy weeknight easier. It is not about cooking everything from scratch; it is about making things easier when time and energy run low.
- Public transport. Public transport can be a lower-cost option for errands or commuting if it is available and safe. It is not always practical, but it is worth considering where it fits.
- Car pooling. Sharing rides with other parents for school or activities can take a bit of coordination, but it can also reduce costs and strengthen community ties.
- Free delivery options. Many retailers offer free delivery on larger orders or with memberships. Grouping purchases or ordering ahead can help you take advantage of these deals more often.
Planning ahead can ease future stress
Nobody expects parents to do it all without help. Sometimes, paying for convenience is the only way to get through the day. But being more selective about when and how you spend can make a big difference, especially if economic uncertainty lies ahead.
- Build a little breathing room. Small savings from delivery fees or service charges can add up to a modest buffer in your budget. That extra flexibility can help if income drops or costs rise.
- Tackle debt faster. Cutting back on non-essentials can free up money for credit card or loan payments. Reducing debt now gives you more control in the future.
- Strengthen your safety net. If your debt is already under control, redirecting spending into an emergency fund can provide peace of mind and help you handle surprise expenses.
Convenience will always be part of modern parenting. The goal is not to eliminate it but to ensure the help you pay for is worth the cost. That way, your money is there when you need it most.
Being more intentional with spending not only helps stretch your budget, it may also make room to pay down debt or avoid new borrowing. These habits may support better credit health over time, especially if they help you reduce balances or avoid missed payments.
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Disclaimer: The article and information provided here are for informational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for professional advice
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