Technology

More Than Half of Americans Fear Covering Unexpected Expenses in 2025

Published

1 year ago

March 31, 2025

Rising Cost of Goods and Economic Uncertainty Create Financial Strain and Shift Payment Preferences, According to New Splitit and PYMNTS Consumer Study

ATLANTA, March 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — New research from Splitit and PYMNTS finds that more than 53% of consumers are concerned about affording unexpected expenses in 2025 amid rising anxiety over economic uncertainty. “Managing Unplanned Expenses: How The Pay Later Economy Fits Consumer Needs,” which surveyed more than 7,000 consumers, highlights the financial strain unplanned purchases create—especially among parents and younger consumers—and how credit accessibility sways spending and payment behaviors. These report findings are especially crucial as leading indicators point to a broad decline in consumer confidence, driven by worries over the impact of tariffs on household finances.

“From trade turbulence to market volatility, Americans are navigating a growing list of financial challenges,” said Nandan Sheth, CEO of Splitit. “Consumers are feeling very anxious at the moment, which is why we see consumers becoming more strategic in managing unplanned expenses, balancing financial stability with flexible payment options. Credit card-linked installments provide a smart way to handle life’s surprises, allowing shoppers to leverage their existing credit lines while maintaining financial flexibility. With many consumers already accustomed to using their credit cards for these types of purchases, this approach offers a seamless and responsible way to stay in control in today’s uncertain economy.”

Unplanned expenses, such as emergency car repairs (42.9%) and home repair costs (34.3%), often come with a hefty price tag. Home repairs, the most expensive category, carry a median spend of $2,112. Despite the growing popularity of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL), only 9% of consumers used it for emergency purchases—showing that many still default to credit cards, with 38% of Baby Boomers relying on them for emergency costs. As consumers look for more budget-friendly payment options, there’s a clear opportunity for flexible pay-later solutions that prioritize transparency and control.

The report highlights a broader trend: Consumers are relying on credit cards and alternative financing solutions to manage both emergency and impulse spending. Among key findings:

$605 is the median cost of emergency purchases over $250.50% of consumers cite the rising cost of goods as the top reason why they expect to make fewer impulse purchases this year.Gen Z is the most concerned about their ability to cover unexpected expenses at 63%.36% of consumers made an impulse purchase of at least $250 in the last three months, with a median spend of $497.33% of consumers used a credit card as their primary form of payment for their most recent emergency purchase.45% of BNPL users say knowing their purchase would be approved was a key factor in their decision to use it.48% of consumers who made their latest impulse purchase with a credit card paid it off in full at the next statement, while 30% opted for installment plans.Gen Z leads the shift toward credit card-linked installment payments, with 24% choosing merchant-offered installment plans—double the rate of older generations.

Credit accessibility continues to shape purchasing behavior. Consumers with strong credit are more likely to finance unexpected expenses, while those with below-average credit hesitate to make unplanned purchases due to limited financing options. Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, are leaning into flexible payment options—26% of millennials expect to increase their impulse purchases in the next year.

With installment plans resonating across generations—36% of non-Boomer consumers who paid by credit card for an impulse purchase chose an installment plan—it’s clear that consumers are seeking more control over how they pay. As economic uncertainty continues, flexible payment solutions will play a critical role in helping shoppers manage their financial well-being.

Yet, even as consumers navigate emergency expenses, half of shoppers made an unplanned purchase last year, highlighting the tension between financial caution and spontaneous spending. This paradox suggests that while consumers are mindful of budgets and economic uncertainty, they are still drawn to impulse buys, whether driven by emotional triggers, limited-time deals or social influence. For brands, this means balancing affordability, value-driven messaging and flexible payment options with strategies that tap into the spontaneity of consumer spending.

Methodology

The survey for the “Managing Unplanned Expenses: How The Pay Later Economy Fits Consumer Needs” report was conducted with 7,078 consumers across all demographics from January 29 to February 7, 2025.

Download the full report here.

About Splitit

Splitit is a global payment solution provider that lets shoppers use the credit they’ve earned by breaking up purchases into monthly installments using their existing credit card. Splitit enables merchants to improve conversion rates and increase average order value by giving customers an easy and fast way to pay for purchases over time without originating new credit. Splitit serves many of Internet Retailer’s top 500 merchants and is accepted by more than 1,500 eCommerce merchants in over 30 countries and shoppers in over 100 countries.

Splitit Media Contact
Danielle Poggi
Berns Communications Group
dpoggi@bcg-pr.com

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SOURCE Splitit USA, Inc.

Technology

Vipboss Marks Earth Day with Renewed Commitment to Green Energy Solutions

Published

9 minutes ago

April 18, 2026

NEW YORK, April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As Earth Day draws global attention to environmental responsibility, Vipboss, a specialist manufacturer and developer of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery packs for energy storage and mobility applications, is underscoring its long‑term commitment to sustainable energy practices through its Environmental Advocacy. This advocacy is devoid of ornate language; its inspiration stems from the brand’s unwavering conviction in LiFePO4 batteries as a green energy solution. To align this message with practical action, the brand is also running a themed sales campaign on its official website during April 18th to 30th. It highlights how practical product solutions, rather than abstract concepts, can support cleaner energy use in everyday life.

Across the world, energy consumption patterns are undergoing rapid change. Households, outdoor users, and light‑mobility sectors are increasingly seeking energy systems that are safe, sustainable, and low‑emission. Within this shift, LiFePO4 batteries have emerged as a preferred technology for clean‑energy applications. Their long service life, high safety profile, and absence of cobalt, which is an element associated with higher environmental and ethical risks, position them as a responsible choice in the global transition toward greener power.

LiFePO4 technology forms the foundation of Vipboss’s approach to sustainable energy. Its extended cycle life reduces the frequency of battery replacement, lowering resource consumption and easing the environmental burden associated with disposal. The material’s inherent stability also minimizes the risk of thermal runaway, offering a safer experience in homes, recreational vehicles, and public environments. In practical use cases such as home backup systems, RV travel, and golf‑course operations, LiFePO4 batteries deliver efficient storage and stable output, helping reduce reliance on fossil‑fuel‑based energy sources and supporting lower‑carbon lifestyles.

Vipboss’s environmental advocacy extends beyond the technical advantages of its products. The brand promotes responsible energy use as an integral part of sustainable living, emphasizing that product design and informed application must work together to achieve meaningful environmental outcomes. As a provider of energy solutions for home, travel, and leisure scenarios, Vipboss continues to participate in the long‑term process of green transformation through ongoing technological refinement and product evolution.

Earth Day serves as a reminder that lasting environmental impact is built through small, consistent actions. Looking ahead, Vipboss will continue advancing safer, more durable, and more efficient energy products that support individuals and families in adopting more sustainable energy habits. Through these efforts, the brand aims to contribute enduring value to the wider adoption of clean energy and the collective pursuit of a more sustainable future.

About Vipboss

Vipboss is a specialist in the lithium battery industry, focusing on the research, production, and manufacturing of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery packs. The company is committed to advancing battery technology with an emphasis on reliable performance, safety, and extended service life. Its mission is to deliver safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible energy solutions that contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

For more information, please visit: https://vipbosspower.com/.

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SOURCE Vipboss

Technology

Pastor Dino Rizzo Marks 100 Days to Serve Day Ahead of Global Outreach Initiative

Published

1 hour ago

April 18, 2026

Pastor Dino Rizzo highlighted the milestone of 100 days until Serve Day 2026, as thousands of churches prepare to serve their communities through coordinated acts of kindness on July 11.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Pastor Dino Rizzo joined church leaders and teams on April 2 to mark 100 days until Serve Day 2026, a global outreach initiative set for July 11. The milestone brings together more than 2,900 churches preparing to serve their local communities through practical acts of kindness and outreach.

Serve Day, led by many churches within the Association of Related Churches, provides a coordinated opportunity for churches worldwide to engage their cities and demonstrate their faith through service. Pastor Dino Rizzo, who serves as Executive Director of ARC, emphasized the significance of the initiative as both a single-day event and a broader movement.

“Serve Day provides churches across the world with opportunities to serve their local communities and share the love of God through practical acts of kindness,” Rizzo said. “Our hope is that serving others becomes our focus throughout the year.”

The April 2 milestone reflects growing participation and anticipation among churches globally. Leaders are currently equipping teams, organizing projects, and connecting with local communities in preparation for July. Churches that join the initiative gain access to resources, including the Serve Day playbook, monthly leadership calls, and a private online community designed to support collaboration and planning.

Pastor Dino Rizzo has long championed the role of service within the church through the Servolution movement. Introduced through his 2009 book Servolution: Starting a Church Revolution Through Serving, the concept calls churches to embed serving into their culture rather than limit it to occasional events. The message has since influenced hundreds of churches across multiple countries, including the United States, Peru, New Zealand, and Poland.

“Serving is not just about an event. It is about building a culture where meeting needs and reaching people becomes part of who we are,” Rizzo has shared in previous teachings, reinforcing the long-term vision behind initiatives like Serve Day.

In addition to leading Serve Day, Pastor Dino Rizzo continues his work with ARC, which has planted over 1200 churches and continues to train and equip new church leaders. His involvement in conferences, leadership development, and global outreach initiatives reflects a consistent focus on sustainable church growth and community impact.

Churches interested in participating in Serve Day 2026 can learn more through ARC’s official website and access resources designed to support local outreach efforts.

About Pastor Dino Rizzo

Pastor Dino Rizzo is a pastor, author, and church leader known for his emphasis on service, leadership, and healthy church culture. He serves as Executive Director of the Association of Related Churches, an organization that has helped launch hundreds of churches worldwide. Rizzo is also the author of Servolution, a book that has inspired a global movement centered on serving others as a core expression of faith.

Media Contact
Organization: Mercury News Media
Email: info@mercurynewsmedia.com
Phone: 303 800 6186
Website: https://www.mercurynewsmedia.com/
Contact Name: Jessica Brown

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SOURCE Dino Rizzo

Technology

WOMEN in the Spotlight! The 2026 Yiwugo Top Boss Ladies Awards Gala Held

Published

3 hours ago

April 18, 2026

YIWU, China, April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Yiwugo.com, the official website of the Yiwu Commodity Market, is the largest commodity wholesale market in the world. In the bright and warm days of April, with spring in full bloom, the grand ballroom on the third floor of the Yiwu Marriott Hotel was a vibrant gathering. Outstanding female entrepreneurs from various sections of the Yiwu Market gathered in their elegant attire to share the glorious moment of the 2026 Yiwugo Top Boss Ladies Awards Gala. The selection campaign, launched on March 8, attracted thousands of female entrepreneurs from the Yiwu Market. Voting was conducted across the Yiwugo app, official WeChat accounts, and the website. The evaluation criteria continued to cover multiple dimensions, including Business Excellence and Image Excellence, aiming to fully showcase the achievements of Yiwugo’s female entrepreneurs and their enterprises in areas such as digital transformation, overseas market expansion, and global supply chain integration.

Ultimately, the title of 2026 Yiwugo Top Boss Ladies was awarded to: Fu Jiangyan (Zhangweichao Socks Firm), Xu Xiaohui (Little Bee Towels), Peng Jirong (Dongyang Jirong Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd), Li Chuanzhi (Chengfa Tableware Firm), Wang Xiaohong (Yiwu Aishang Daily Necessities Factory), Bao Qiaoli (Bole Plush Pendant Toy), Li Hong (Yiwu Hanbang Daily Necessities Firm), Wu Yajun (Ziyi Stationery Firm), Wang Chunxing (Butterfly Fly Lace Firm), and Zheng Huili (Yiwu Lihong household products Co., Ltd).

In addition, twenty other entrepreneurs, including He Wenjuan (Zhihua Jewelry Box), Jin Chengfeng (Lanmo Textile Co., Ltd), Cui Yanping (Xin Tai Yang Shower Curtain And Towel Factory), and Zhang Huoqing (Happy Sisters Plush Toy), received the Top Boss Ladies Nomination award.

“Women hold up half the sky” – nowhere is this more evident than in the Yiwu Market. To showcase the entrepreneurial spirit and “she-power” of female business owners in the market, Yiwugo launched the Top Boss Ladies Awards in 2016. To date, this campaign has been held for 11 consecutive years, becoming one of the benchmark activities in the Yiwu Market.

Over the years, driven by this campaign, participating female entrepreneurs have become increasingly active, with nearly 700 Top Boss Ladies recognized. They have not only steadfastly managed their shops but have also leveraged their unique empathy and customer insight as female entrepreneurs to drive comprehensive brand upgrades, from product innovation to communication methods, breathing new life into traditional brands in the new era.

Amid the surging digital wave, artificial intelligence is reshaping industries at unprecedented speed and scale. This year’s Top Boss Ladies winners and nominees have bravely stepped into the spotlight, keeping pace with the times, actively embracing evolving business models and technological change. By replacing experience with data, using digital platforms to break geographical boundaries, and leveraging digital intelligence to break through development bottlenecks, they are driving a transition from OEM exports to global branding.

Fu Jiangyan of Zhangweichao Socks Firm is a typical example. Having shifted from initially waiting for customers to now skillfully using AI tools and mastering live streaming and short videos, she has used the platform as a lever to swiftly move her traditional foreign trade enterprise into a new stage of digital-intelligent trade, applying new technologies and business models to enhance enterprise development.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the introduction of the Yiwu Development Experience. Over the past two decades, the Yiwu Market has completed its iterative upgrade from market stalls to a global digital trade center. Generations of business owners have transformed from street stall vendors into modern commercial entities, achieving a deep integration of personal growth with the market’s development. Yiwugo, always in sync with the rhythm of the Yiwu Market, will continue to focus on its female entrepreneurs, constantly uncovering their vivid and dynamic stories of striving, thoughtfully documenting the journeys of these resilient women who shine in their own quiet ways, and witnessing, supporting, and accompanying their growth and success.

As a local e-commerce platform rooted in and serving the market, Yiwugo will continue to gain deeper insights into user needs, strengthen its technological capabilities, explore cutting-edge applications, and accelerate product iteration. Amid a volatile external environment, it will connect market entrepreneurs with more global resources, helping them expand into broader international markets.

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SOURCE Yiwugo.com