Rising prices push renters to use "rent now, pay later" services

One place where many Americans are feeling the affordability squeeze is in the price of housing. According to a 2024 report from the Census Bureau, housing costs have risen faster than incomes in the last two decades.

As more people struggle to make ends meet, companies like Flex, Livble and Affirm have started offering “buy now, pay later” services for rent payments.

Cora Lewis, a business reporter at the Associated Press, wrote about this service and how it can pile on costs to cash-strapped renters. She joined “Marketplace” host Kristin Schwab to talk more about her reporting.

To hear the rest of the conversation click the audio player above.