9 Signs You Have a Shopping Addiction (And What to Do About It)

March 14, 2026 By My American Savings Writers' Room

Key Points Shopping addiction often starts with emotional spending, where people buy things to cope with stress, boredom, or sadness. Warning signs include impulse purchases, rising debt, and hiding spending habits, which can lead to serious financial problems. Breaking the cycle requires awareness, spending limits, and healthier coping habits to …

Is Buy Now, Pay Later Safe? 10 Risks You Should Know

March 14, 2026 By My American Savings Writers' Room

Key Points The Psychological Friction Gap: BNPL exploits a cognitive bias by breaking large costs into small, “painless” chunks, which bypasses your brain’s natural resistance to overspending and leads to “payment creep.” Regulatory “No Man’s Land”: Unlike credit cards, BNPL services often lack federal consumer protections, meaning you have fewer …