Filter News

Where the source is based, not where the story happened.

Or choose step by step:

🏷️ Subjects tick one or more
πŸ“‘ Sources tick one or more, or none for all

Consumer credit creep

πŸŽ™οΈ Marketplace πŸ• October 19, 2026 at 3:27 PM
πŸ“ Source based in: World β€Ί Northern Hemisphere β€Ί North America β€Ί United States

Keeps playing with the screen off. The episode is played from Marketplace’s own podcast host.

Inflation is affecting all of us. But when costs go up, lower-income households are especially vulnerable to credit creep β€” that’s when consumers use credit for more and more transactions. One survey found 29% of buy now, pay later users took out the loans to pay for groceries, double the percentage from just a couple of years ago. Also in this episode: What might happen to the labor market if Fed raises interest rates, how immigration crackdowns are tied to a 14-year homebuilder confidence low, and why political candidates are competing for AI attention.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org β€” and consider making an investment in our future.

Read the stories in today’s episode:

Check this story

Ask the guide

The guide explains what to check and where. It cannot see this article or recent news.

Is this AI-made?

AI checkers give a likelihood, not proof.