More Americans Turn to Credit Cards and Buy Now, Pay Later to Cover Grocery Costs
A significant number of Americans are resorting to credit cards and 'Buy Now, Pay Later' (BNPL) plans to cover their grocery expenses, leading to increased debt. An analysis by the Urban Institute revealed that over one in four working-age adults struggled to pay off grocery-related credit card debt last year. Additionally, nearly 10% of consumers utilized BNPL services for groceries, with many subsequently facing difficulties in meeting their payment obligations. This trend highlights the growing financial strain on households due to rising grocery prices. Consumer Reports' Brian Vines advises strategies to mitigate these costs, including checking existing pantry items before shopping, setting a budget, and comparing prices across different retailers. Stores like Costco, BJ’s, Aldi, and Lidl were identified as generally less expensive than Walmart in a price comparison.