Steps 2 Success Program Fights Growing Trend to Take BNPL Loans for Groceries
- Leighanne Stose
- May 1, 2025
- 2 min read
There is no denying that the changing economic environment over the past 5 years has been a strain on our minds and wallets. The cost of rent, utilities, and even groceries has increased steadily, but paychecks have largely stayed the same. It’s no wonder that many have started using Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services just to get by.
Last Friday, LendingTree shared results of their recent survey, which revealed a troubling trend: more people are turning to BNPL loans just to put food on the table. In fact, according to a CNBC report on the study, one in four BNPL users say they've used the service to buy groceries.
"These aren't just statistics, they are real people," Bill Brim, President and CEO of Lutheran Social Services, stated. "The cost of living has been a steadily growing concern in our community - a concern we see daily at LSS - pushing people into unsustainable financial habits just to meet basic needs."
"Many were already struggling to make ends meet and living from paycheck to paycheck before these changes started," said Michelle Hughes, Director of the Steps 2 Success program. “If you're feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone—and taking that first step to ask for help can feel big. But we’re here to meet you where you are, with compassion and no judgment."
Participants of the S2S program receive free comprehensive and individualized support that includes one-on-one financial coaching, career support, and job training; access to income-boosting benefits; and workshops on budgeting, credit building, and savings. Last year, S2S clients raised their credit scores by 56 points and their monthly net incomes by $1,147 per month, on average.
"This study is a wake-up call, but we want people to know there is hope," said Hughes. "Financial health is possible—with the right support and hard work." Wherever a person is in their financial journey—trying to find a better-paying and more stable job, looking to buy a home, or getting out of debt—individualized coaching from S2S can help.
The topic Steps 2 Success Program Fights Growing Trend to Take BNPL Loans for Groceries brings attention to an interesting part of everyday life: making practical decisions based on actual needs rather than short-term convenience. I appreciate how the subject highlights the importance of thinking carefully before making choices that can have longer-term effects. Interestingly, this idea can also be connected to construction, where decisions made at the beginning can influence the cost, performance, and maintenance of a building for many years.
When people think about construction, the focus often goes to the building itself, but I feel the planning behind it is just as important. Every facility has its own working conditions. A campus needs to support students, a…
I really enjoyed the article “Steps 2 Success Program Fights Growing Trend to Take BNPL Loans for Groceries.” It highlights an interesting issue around everyday financial decisions and shows why people should think carefully before committing to a payment option. Interestingly, the same idea of making thoughtful choices can also apply to construction, where selecting the right materials and building method can have a long-term effect on cost, performance, and maintenance.
This connects naturally to the way businesses approach industrial and commercial construction. A building is a major investment, so decisions should not be based only on the lowest initial quotation. The purpose of the building, expected usage, local climate, insulation requirements, installation process, and future maintenance all deserve attention…
This is such an important issue—nobody should have to rely on BNPL just to afford groceries. Glad Steps 2 Success is stepping up to address this growing challenge!
It’s tough seeing more folks rely on BNPL just for groceries when prices keep climbing. Tools that help us read labels or deals faster would be handy—like using translate image ai to snap and translate sale signs or receipts in a snap.
Excelente resumen de la participación en la expo y de las mejoras realizadas en la G2 Reverence. Me gustó especialmente el enfoque en la innovación y la experiencia del usuario. Para quienes también buscan información útil, Horario De Las Loterías es un recurso interesante. ¡Mucho éxito en los próximos eventos!