{"id":1009921,"date":"2026-10-14T00:04:36","date_gmt":"2026-10-14T04:04:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/national-survey-growing-number-of-payment-options-could-make-it-more-challenging-for-middle-income-families-to-see-full-financial-picture\/"},"modified":"2026-10-14T00:04:36","modified_gmt":"2026-10-14T04:04:36","slug":"national-survey-growing-number-of-payment-options-could-make-it-more-challenging-for-middle-income-families-to-see-full-financial-picture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/national-survey-growing-number-of-payment-options-could-make-it-more-challenging-for-middle-income-families-to-see-full-financial-picture\/","title":{"rendered":"National Survey: Growing Number of Payment Options Could Make It More Challenging for Middle-Income Families to See Full Financial Picture"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

National Survey: Growing Number of Payment Options Could Make It More Challenging for Middle-Income Families to See Full Financial Picture<\/b><\/p>\n

68% report little to no flexibility in monthly budgets as Buy Now, Pay Later and recurring subscriptions fragment household spending and create financial blind spots<\/i><\/p>\n

DULUTH, Ga.–(BUSINESS WIRE<\/a>)–
\nAs middle-income Americans continue to navigate tight household budgets, a growing number of installment, recurring and automated payments may be creating financial blind spots that make it harder to maintain a clear view of their finances, according to the latest Primerica Financial Security Monitor\u2122<\/a> survey.<\/p>\n

\nWhile most measures of household financial health have remained relatively consistent in recent quarters, many families continue to feel stretched financially. More than two-thirds (68%) report having little or no flexibility in their monthly budgets after covering household expenses, while 69% say their income has fallen behind the cost of living.<\/p>\n

\nAt the same time, payments are increasingly spread across credit cards, Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) plans, streaming platforms and other monthly subscription services. BNPL use rose sharply over the past year, with 44% saying they have used BNPL services, up from 28% in September 2025.<\/p>\n

\n\u201cServices that make purchases more convenient and flexible can also make it more challenging for households to see the complete financial picture,\u201d said Glenn J. Williams, CEO of Primerica.\u201cWhen spending is spread across monthly subscriptions, installment plans, credit cards and automatic payments, it\u2019s easier to overlook where money is going and miss opportunities to make adjustments that could strengthen a household\u2019s financial position.\u201d<\/p>\n

\nThe survey also suggests that limited visibility into household spending may contribute to growing concerns about debt. Just one-quarter (26%) say they typically pay their monthly credit card statement in full, the lowest share in the survey\u2019s history. More than one-third (35%) say their credit card debt increased during the past three months. Among those carrying debt, nearly half (45%) are more concerned about it than they were a year ago, the highest level since tracking began in March 2023.<\/p>\n

\n\u201cFinancial confidence starts with visibility,\u201d Williams added. \u201cWhen families have a clear view of their spending, savings and debt obligations, they\u2019re better positioned to make informed decisions. A financial professional can help families bring those moving pieces together, identify opportunities that may otherwise be overlooked and create a financial game plan that helps families regain control of their financial future.\u201d<\/p>\n

\nThe findings come as middle-income families continue to face pressure from the cost of everyday necessities. The latest Primerica Household Budget Index\u2122<\/a> found that purchasing power rose slightly in August. Still, the cost of necessities increased 3.7% over the past year, outpacing the 3.3% year-over-year growth in average earned income.<\/p>\n

Additional key findings from Primerica\u2019s Q3 2026 Financial Security Monitor\u2122 survey:<\/b><\/p>\n