“Buy now, pay later” transactions, which are essentially zero-interest, short-term loans, topped $1 billion for the first time this past Cyber Monday.

The typical cycle of taking on debt during Q4 and paying it quickly after the New Year may be more difficult this season as inflation, high rent, and high interest rates challenge consumer wallets.

 As U.S. consumer debt climbs to record highs, social media creators are speaking candidly about a once-taboo topic.

Credit card and other debt rose fast in April, but low unemployment means most Americans are still spending.

Many consumers are thinking twice about taking on debt, while many lenders are tightening standards on credit card loans.

Late card payments and minimum payments are at a record high, the Philadelphia Fed says. Seasonal and longer-term factors have led to the rise.

It’s a sign that higher prices are still weighing on many household budgets.

The amount includes money owed on things like credit cards, auto loans and student loans. Delinquencies are also rising.

Adobe Analytics projects that buy now, pay later loans could drive as much as $84 billion in spending in 2024. But the debt shoppers are racking up is basically hidden from credit bureaus, lenders and economists.

The Conference Board’s Leading Economic Index turned positive in February for the first time since February 2022. That’s a sign that the economy will avoid a recession this year, even if it slows down.