With prices rising and airfare still sky-high, the “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) boom has officially hit vacations. More than half of Americans now use BNPL, and nearly one in five plan to use it to pay for holidays, according to The New York Times (NYT). (1) But experts warn that while spreading out payments for a beach getaway may seem harmless, it can come with hidden risks. BNPL plans divide payments into installments. “Break anything into four and it’s more affordable, but life happens and people for ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the financial risks associated with Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) plans, which are considered one of the dumbest financial moves Americans can make today [1][2]. Group 1: Understanding BNPL - BNPL is a payment plan that allows consumers to break down the total amount due at checkout into smaller, interest-free payments over time, making it easier to qualify for than a credit card [3]. - Retailers are increasingly partnering with BNPL companies to provide consumers with "financial breathing room," but this service is being used for both large and small, nonessential purchases [4]. Group 2: Risks of BNPL - The ease of stacking multiple BNPL plans can lead to overspending, loss of tracking debts, and ultimately, debt accumulation from frivolous purchases [5]. - BNPL is essentially a loan, and despite not being categorized as credit card debt, it still adds to consumer debt, which can create a psychological trick that makes spending feel less painful [6]. - Managing BNPL payment schedules can be challenging due to their rotating intervals, complicating budgeting and increasing the risk of late fees and interest accrual [7]. Group 3: Financial Advice - Experts advise that if consumers do not have the money, they should refrain from spending, as living in reverse by purchasing items and paying later can lead to increased debt and financial difficulties [8].