[tomder55]

That was a joke like by Wimpy in Popeye cartoons . Who knew that would become the norm ?
Costco launches 'Buy Now, Pay Later' service for online purchases - ABC News

Pizza and groceries now—pay later: Klarna and Affirm's big branding moment

Consumers already debt ridden are increasingly using lay away and buy now pay later(BNPL) for basics .

According to the report, groceries are the fourth most popular item people buy using BNPL. That’s behind clothing, tech devices and home goods. Services like DoorDash now let customers split food delivery bills into four interest-free payments. Stores like Walmart, Albertsons and Safeway also accept BNPL through cards like CareCredit.

Layaway for groceries? Our new economic norm


One new poll found 55% of Americans use the apps. Another survey found a quarter of users pay for groceries using the apps.... A January report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau found that the majority of app users have "subprime or deep subprime credit scores."

The problem is that these consumers often don't pay their bills .
A LendingTree poll found that 41% had made a late payment on an app loan, "up from 34% in the year prior." A turbulent economy may only increase those numbers, said LendingTree's chief consumer finance analyst, Matt Schulz.
The rise of 'buy now, pay later' apps for food and basics | The Week

Inflation is only going to get worse with ballooning US debt and Trump's insane tariff policies. And what will happen ;if as apparently is underway ;there is a slowdown in the jobs market ?

A tight job market is getting flooded with new college grads. Here’s advice for everyone - WTOP News

Yeah college kids burdened by loan debt are entering a tight job market . But they love their pizzas before they head out to the latest protest .... and have not grown up in an age of self sacrifice. I see nothing but smooth sailing ahead. </sarc>