“Money Woes Make Shoppers Splurge ‘n’ Save: Buy Now, Pay Later or Budget Strategically?

With the economic downturn due to the Covid-19 pandemic, some shoppers have been forced to tighten their budgets and cut down on unnecessary spending, while others have opted to buy now and pay later to avoid the stress of immediate payments. According to a survey conducted by Gallup, half of Americans are currently “financially worse off” than they were at this time a year ago due to the pandemic. As a result, some shoppers are foregoing shopping and opting for more cost-effective methods to save money. Many budget-conscious shoppers are finding creative ways to save money such as using cashback apps, couponing, joining subscription services and utilizing local discount stores. On the other hand, other shoppers have opted to buy now and pay later so that they can purchase the items they need without having to pay the cost right away. A number of online retailers, such as Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy, offer buy now pay later payment plans, which provide shoppers with an interest-free or low-interest payment option. Other companies, like Klarna, offer shoppers the flexibility to pay for purchases over time by breaking the payment into small installments. The decision to buy on credit or save one’s money depends on the individual’s financial situation and needs. As mentioned above, those with tighter budgets may benefit from saving their money for future purchases, while others may prefer to buy now and pay later. No matter how one chooses to manage their finances, it is important for shoppers to think carefully before making any purchases and to make responsible spending decisions. By being mindful of their financial situation and budgeting for the future, shoppers can ensure that they remain financially stable during this time of uncertainty.