How Living on Credit Became the New Normal

In this article, you’ll discover:

• Why paying the minimum balance keeps you stuck in debt.
• How “buy now, pay later” makes carrying debt feel completely normal.
• Why so many people feel too embarrassed to ask for help.
• How to break the cycle and take control of your money today.

It is so easy to buy things today. You see an ad for a new laptop or phone, and it only highlights the weekly payment. You might even use a “buy now, pay later” app for everyday items. Living on credit feels like a normal routine. But focusing only on the weekly cost hides the total price. A recent 2026 report from the Credit Counselling Society shows that relying on credit is setting many people up for hard times.

When credit is everywhere, carrying a balance stops feeling scary. People get used to it. Peta Wales is the President and CEO of the Credit Counselling Society. Wales notes, “What stands out is not that Canadians are comfortable with debt, but rather it appears almost half of respondents characterize their feelings about their financial situation as being neutral when compared with last year in other words, they are feeling numb to it.”

The Trap of the Minimum Balance

About 52 percent of people only pay a little above the minimum amount due on their accounts. Plus, 42 percent used credit more often in 2025 than the year before. When you just pay the minimum, the debt keeps growing. Soon, it feels impossible to catch up. Instead of panicking, people just get used to the constant stress. It becomes a normal part of life.

How Different Ages Handle Debt

Everyone deals with money differently. Millennials between 30 and 45 are actually taking the most proactive steps to fix their debt early. On the other hand, Gen X feels the most uncomfortable with what they owe. Baby Boomers carry higher balances but do not feel as bad about their money situation.

The Fear of Asking Help

Even if people act like everything is fine, debt still causes anxiety. In fact, 65 percent of people worry about their balances. But a huge number of them feel too embarrassed to talk about it. This shame stops them from getting the right support. When you hide the problem, the debt only gets worse.

Making a Real Change

There is still a lot of hope. Many people are already making lifestyle changes to fix their budgets and take back control. You can take charge by creating a solid plan. Do not just focus on making the next weekly payment. Look at the big picture to reduce your overall balance. If you need real guidance, you can visit nomoredebts.org or call 1-888-527-8999 to speak with a professional.