# US consumer financial pressure during holiday season > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-consumer-financial-pressure-during-holiday-season > Updated: 2026-10-27T19:25:40.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. US consumers are facing significant financial anxiety and pressure heading into the holiday shopping season. Reports indicate a growing reliance on “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) services to fund purchases, with Adobe forecasting that BNPL-financed online holiday spending could reach a record $21.3 billion. However, concerns regarding repayment are high; nearly 40% of prospective BNPL users anticipate being unable to make payments in full and on time. Financial strain is being driven by the rising costs of essentials such as groceries and utilities. Approximately 50% of Americans report increased money worries compared to last year, and 61% perceive the economy to be in a recession. This pressure is expected to impact long-term financial health, as nearly half of consumers anticipate that holiday spending will interfere with savings, retirement contributions, or existing debt obligations. In response to these challenges, consumer behavior is shifting toward budget management. Many shoppers are researching products to compare prices, opting for cheaper brands, or utilizing unfamiliar retailers. Younger demographics, specifically Gen Z and millennials, report higher levels of pressure to overspend and a greater dependence on BNPL services. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-27: US consumers face financial pressure ahead of holiday season Americans report rising financial anxiety ahead of the holidays, with nearly half expecting to borrow money for purchases and many citing grocery and utility costs as major budget pressures. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-consumers-face-financial-pressure-ahead-of-holiday-season ### 2026-10-23: US consumers plan to use buy now, pay later for holiday spending A NerdWallet survey shows nearly 40% of holiday shoppers planning to use buy now, pay later services despite fears they may struggle to make timely repayments. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-consumers-plan-to-use-buy-now-pay-later-for-holiday-spending --- Cite as: US consumer financial pressure during holiday season. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-consumer-financial-pressure-during-holiday-season