Americans are hiding big buys from partners, fueled by influencers and inflation.

  • Two-thirds of people living with a spouse or significant other hid a purchase from their partner in the past year.
  • One in ten manipulated financial records to conceal spending.
  • Stealth shopping is fueled by influencers and high inflation.
  • Some use buy-now-pay-later services to mask large purchases.

Stealth shopping is becoming more common as people try to avoid confrontations with their partners over personal spending. A survey found that two-thirds of couples hide purchases, while one in ten manipulate financial records. Influeners and high inflation are contributing factors. Some use buy-now-pay-later services to mask large purchases.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about people’s habits of hiding purchases from their partners due to concerns over spending and budget management. It includes quotes from experts in the field and real-life examples to support its claims. However, it is not a scientific study or data-driven piece, which could affect its overall factuality level.
Noise Level: 5
Noise Justification: The article focuses on personal anecdotes and individual experiences rather than providing a broader analysis or discussion of societal trends related to consumerism and financial transparency in relationships.
Key People: Evan Elkowitz (Designer and Stylist), Stacy Geisinger (Unknown), Cali Estes (Clinical Psychologist), Julia Mather (Nonexecutive Director of an Insurance Company), Joe Abruzzese (Former President of Sales and Marketing at a Cable Operator), Scott McGraw (Unknown)

Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: The article discusses the impact of inflation on couples’ spending habits and how it leads to hiding purchases, which can affect their finances.
Financial Rating Justification: The article talks about people hiding their shopping sprees from their partners due to financial concerns and the pressure from influencers, as well as strategies they use to conceal their expenses. It also mentions the use of buy-now-pay-later services to mask large purchases and how inflation exacerbates the problem for couples on a tight budget.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no mention of any extreme event in the article. It primarily discusses the behavior of individuals hiding their shopping habits from their partners.·

Reported publicly: www.wsj.com