As the holiday season approaches, many shoppers are embracing the “Buy Now, Pay Later” trend, lured in by the promise of instant gratification. After all, who wouldn’t want to snag that perfect gift today and worry about the payments later? However, Consumer Reports raises a red flag on this seemingly helpful option, warning that it could lead to unexpected debt that may stick around long after the holiday cheer fades.

Missing payments can unleash a wave of fees and potentially harm your credit score—akin to missing that dreaded credit card bill. With many lenders sharing payment histories with credit bureaus, it’s essential to manage these plans like your mom manages her cookie jar: carefully. Set payment reminders, choose loans wisely, and avoid juggling multiple lenders.

If you can navigate this holiday madness responsibly, “Buy Now, Pay Later” might just be your secret shopping weapon. Just don’t dive in too deep; a financial hangover come January isn’t quite the gift anyone is hoping for!