A recent nationwide poll conducted from July 10 to July 14, 2025, surveyed 1,437 adults, aiming to represent the U.S. population with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.6 percentage points.

Overall, 75% of adults report that various financial factors contribute to significant stress in their lives, with those under major financial strain being more likely to utilize 'Buy Now, Pay Later' services.

Esther Bland, a 78-year-old retiree, illustrates this struggle, noting that while groceries are a minor stress for her due to reliance on food banks, losing this support would significantly heighten her financial anxiety.

Financial stressors, such as housing costs, disproportionately affect younger Americans, who typically have less savings and property ownership compared to older generations.

Consumer watchdogs have expressed concerns regarding these services, warning that they may encourage consumers to overextend financially, despite being marketed as safer alternatives to credit cards.

The findings reveal that approximately 50% of Americans identify grocery costs as a 'major' source of stress, while 33% view it as a 'minor' concern, highlighting widespread financial anxiety related to essential expenses.

Among those experiencing major financial stress, 21% have resorted to 'Buy Now, Pay Later' services for medical or dental expenses, compared to just 8% of individuals with minor or no stress.

The increasing use of 'Buy Now, Pay Later' services is particularly notable among younger adults and minorities, although concerns about repayment difficulties are also on the rise.

In response to rising costs, many Americans are adjusting their shopping habits, with some choosing cheaper grocery stores to better manage their budgets, even if it means compromising on quality.