Consumer credit creep
· 25 min
Episode Consumer credit creep
Inflation is affecting all of us. But when costs go up, lower-income households are especially vulnerable to credit creep — 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.
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Read the stories in today’s episode:
• What will happen to the job market if the Fed raises interest rates? • Struggling consumers are increasingly turning to high-cost credit for basic needs • This farmer was promised a $20,000 grant to go solar. USDA changed the rules • How immigration crackdowns are tightening the construction labor market • Candidates campaign for AI attention • Home-based coffee shops provide unique perks for owners and customers
Links in the notes 9
- https://www.marketplace.org/newsletters
- https://www.marketplace.org/
- https://www.marketplace.org/make-a-smart-investment
- https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/10/19/how-the-job-market-might-react-to-higher-interest-rates
- https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/10/19/highcost-credit-becomes-lifeline-for-struggling-consumers
- https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/10/19/farmers-in-the-lurch-after-usda-cancels-rural-grants
- https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/10/19/how-ice-crackdowns-tighten-the-construction-labor-market
- https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/10/19/candidates-campaign-for-ai-attention
- https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/10/19/microbusiness-programs-help-incubate-homebased-cafes
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