FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — As Americans face rising costs for goods and services, more consumers are relying on credit cards and buy now, pay later services, according to credit counseling experts.
Michael McAuliffe, president of Family Credit Management, said growing debt is not always the result of poor financial habits and noted that consumers still have some factors within their control.
“What we like to tell people is you do have control of the two most important things. The first thing is your income,” McAuliffe said.
McAuliffe said consumers looking to reduce debt should focus not only on increasing income when possible but also on reviewing expenses and reducing opportunity costs.
“You know, every time $10 is spent on lunch, that’s…