Prnewswire·2025-11-04 14:00Core Insights - A significant portion of Americans plans to spend the same or more on holiday gifts this year, with 78% expecting to exceed last year's spending, averaging over $2,000 [2][7] - Financial stress is prevalent, with one in four Americans feeling pressured to overspend, leading to increased borrowing and extra work [2][4] Spending Behavior - 84% of Americans intend to use credit cards for holiday purchases, and 30% plan to utilize Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services [3][7] - Nearly half (46%) of consumers are unaware that BNPL can impact their credit scores, highlighting a gap in financial literacy [3][7] Demographic Insights - Younger generations (ages 18-44) report higher levels of spending pressure compared to older generations, with 36% of younger shoppers indicating high stress levels [7] - In contrast, 53% of shoppers aged 55 and above feel little to no pressure regarding holiday spending [7] Emotional Impact - Anxiety is the most common emotion experienced by Americans after reviewing their bank statements post-holidays, with 36% reporting this feeling [7] - One in three Americans regrets holiday purchases that strain their finances, indicating a disconnect between spending and financial well-being [7] Recommendations for Consumers - MoneyLion advises consumers to create shopping lists and budgets to avoid impulse purchases and manage spending effectively [6][13] - Utilizing budgeting tools and cashback apps can help consumers stay aware of their expenses and find deals [13]