It always starts with toys. Then it’s the clothes, skin care, technology, water bottles, keychains, and on and on and on. Kids have always wanted what their friends — and the popular kids — have, but now, it’s amplified by the millions. While our parents had to keep up with trends from our schools, magazines, and MTV, we have to compete with TikTok influencers and their never-ending “haul culture.” It’s exhausting — and expensive! And parents can’t take it anymore.

Data by BMO’s Real Financial Progress Index revealed that parents are struggling right now. In fact, 83 percent of parents say the cost of raising kids has “gotten out of control,” with 84 percent admitting that it’s hard to save for their child’s future with all the expenses they have to dish out now.

This pressure is due in

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