You pay your bills. You try to do the right things financially. And still, most months feel like a balancing act. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. New research from PROG Holdings, the parent company of Progressive Leasing, confirms what many below prime consumers already know firsthand: being employed doesn’t automatically mean being financially secure.

Specifically, the data found that:

• More than 60% of below prime consumers work full-time
• Nearly a third say they aren’t confident they can cover basic monthly expenses
• More than 80% say they’re concerned about their financial outlook
• The Reality That Often Gets Overlooked

There’s a common misconception that people with less-than-perfect credit are unemployed, irresponsible, or careless with money. But that story doesn’t reflect reality. In fact, the research found that most below prime consumers are working and budgeting, but they’re still worried about their household’s finances.

That pressure shows up in everyday decisions. Do you fix the car now or hope it lasts another month? Do you replace a broken appliance or keep making do? How about buying groceries this week or waiting for the next paycheck to clear?

These aren’t luxury choices. They’re necessity driven decisions that many working households face every month. That’s why flexible payment options play such an important role today.

Why Flexible Payments Matter More Than Ever

Tools like lease-to-own, buy-now, pay-later and cash advances can help bridge the gap when something breaks or an unexpected cost comes up, and waiting simply isn’t realistic.

In fact, 60% of below prime consumers have used a flexible payment option in the past year, often to manage urgent or unavoidable expenses. This includes more than 40% saying they would use flexible payments for major home or auto repairs and nearly 15% for groceries.

For purchases that exceed $500, nearly 90% of below prime consumers say flexible payment options are important. Not because they want to overspend, but because spreading payments over time can make necessary purchases manageable without derailing the rest of the budget. 

These numbers reflect the reality of covering essential needs when cash flow is tight, not impulse spending.

Relief, Not Recklessness 

Public conversations often frame flexible payment solutions as risky or harmful, especially for below prime consumers. But the experience of people using these tools tells a different story.

Sixty-five percent of below prime consumers say flexible payment options provide feelings of reassurance or relief. That emotional impact matters because financial strain is constant, stressful, and personal.

Knowing there’s a way to manage an essential expense without draining an account or missing another bill can take some of the pressure off. It creates breathing room. It helps people stay on track rather than fall behind. 

These tools don’t make consumers careless. The research shows that when flexible payments are offered, people are more likely to complete purchases thoughtfully and intentionally. They’re making considered decisions, not impulsive ones.

A Bigger Systemic Issue 

The research also highlights something many working Americans feel but rarely see acknowledged: the challenges below prime consumers face are part of a much larger personal finance crisis.

Rising costs are forcing people to delay purchases, downgrade choices, or skip spending altogether. Flexible payment options have become a way to cope with them.

When below prime consumers are portrayed as the problem, it distracts from the underlying reality: working full-time doesn’t guarantee financial stability. Misunderstanding that reality makes it harder to address the real issues facing millions of households.

What Real Support Looks Like 

Real support starts with recognizing the pressure many working households are under and offering transparent, responsible ways to manage it. That means treating below prime consumers as thoughtful, hardworking individuals navigating difficult economic conditions.

For many households, financial progress is about staying afloat, meeting obligations, and protecting what matters most. Tools that help consumers stay in control play a meaningful role in that effort.

That’s where solutions like Progressive Leasing fit in. From payments to staying organized, the goal is to help consumers stay in control as they navigate expenses.

Working hard should count for something, and having tools that support everyday financial decisions shouldn’t feel out of reach.