When shoppers feel financial stress, some may tighten their budgets to help make ends meet, while others may use buy now, pay later options, such as credit cards or layaway, in order to take advantage of discounts or to spread out their payments. While these strategies can be helpful for those who need to make ends meet, they can also end up increasing financial stress in the long run if shoppers are not careful. To manage money worries, shoppers should create a realistic budget that includes payments for items purchased on credit, so that they can ensure they can stay within their means over time.
