The unemployment rate is at pre-pandemic levels and inflation has dropped from 9.1% in July 2022 to 3.2% in October 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Yet 38% of all consumers say they are worse off than last year, and 62% are very...
Higher rates are proving to be headwind to borrowing, per the Federal Reserve’s latest stats. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required. yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter,...
When household finances are tight, consumers use various strategies to manage their budgets and make ends meet. This behavior applies to every spending category, from clothing to travel, but especially to essentials like groceries. After two years of persistent inflation, a more cost-conscious U.S. consumer...
As people build up their savings, they tend to loosen the reins on their spending habits. In fact, it appears that a higher savings balance often acts as a green light for consumers to indulge in purchases that fall into the category of “nice-to-haves” rather...
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says it wants to help consumers hurt by misleading “preapproval” Credit Karma offers. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required. yesSubscribe to...
As the economic and financial imbalances caused by the pandemic persist, access to credit has become vital for covering short-term financial needs, purchasing goods and services, and paying bills. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access...
Improving credit scores can have significant financial benefits for consumers by accessing better lending conditions and low interest rates. With improved scores, consumers can increase their available amount of discretionary spending and help ensure they can afford everyday essentials. However, many consumers do not have...
Despite positive Black Friday numbers, where consumers stretched their budgets to do some shopping, data suggests that the rest of the holiday shopping season may be more moderate. The loss of purchasing power resulting from the persistent inflation of recent years, as well as the current...
Amber Carroll, senior vice president of membership and lifecycle strategy at LendingClub, told PYMNTS that U.S. consumers face a cash drain — but proactive planning can go a long way toward addressing the pressures of everyday financial life. Get the Full Story Complete the form to...
