Back-to-school season often brings a mix of excitement and anxiety for families. As kids prepare for a new year of learning, parents face the reality of rising costs. Uniforms, supplies, technology, and extracurricular expenses can quickly total hundreds of dollars. For many households, those bills come due all at once, pushing families to look for flexible ways to manage their budgets. Increasingly, that means turning to “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) services. These short-term installment plans promise an easier way to handle large purchases without the burden of interest charges.
As reported by CNBC Make It, this trend has become especially common among parents juggling seasonal expenses. One Chicago mom explained that she relies on BNPL for any purchase over $200, from school supplies to family travel. It’s a strategy she says makes payments more manageable and helps her avoid putting large balances on her credit card. She’s part of a growing wave of consumers who use BNPL not just for big-ticket splurges, but for everyday necessities. This shift reflects how families are coping with inflation and unpredictable expenses.
Recent data shows just how widespread this approach has become. In a LendingTree survey, more than one in five Americans said they had used a BNPL loan, and even more said they were considering one. And according to a National Debt Relief survey published in August, 65% of parents with BNPL debt used the service to cover back-to-school shopping. For families stretched thin, these loans can feel like a lifesaver—but they can also mask financial strain when not managed carefully.
Easy access to installment loans can sometimes lead consumers into deeper debt cycles. While BNPL can offer short-term breathing room, juggling multiple payment plans or relying on them for essentials can make it difficult to keep track of obligations. When that happens, even small, missed payments can snowball into larger financial stress.
For those who find themselves turning to BNPL or credit cards just to stay ahead, it might be time to explore a more sustainable path forward. National Debt Relief’s debt settlement program helps qualified clients reduce their unsecured debt, offering a structured approach to regain financial control and peace of mind.
Ultimately, the CNBC Make It feature captures a growing reality for many families: the desire to stay financially afloat while meeting life’s demands. BNPL can be a useful tool when managed wisely, but it’s not a long-term solution to persistent financial strain.
