If you’ll be buying tobacco, alcohol, or plus size clothing - you might want to pay cash for that.

Did you know that the things you purchase can actually help or hurt your consumer wellbeing? 

Thanks to data-tracking analysis, no purchases are secret, unless you pay cash. Pam Dixon, founder of the World Privacy Forum, explains that while our credit rating reflects our financial health, our consumer rating is different and can reflect a lot more. These reports show in great detail what we buy, which can be used by lenders, insurers, employers and other businesses to set terms and conditions as they see fit. Unfortunately, there is no way to check your own consumer rating. However, you can impact your rating with some strategic purchasing. 

Pam says, if you’re buying tobacco or alcohol, pay in cash if you don’t want that to negatively affect your consumer health score. The same goes for purchases of books on addiction or health problems, even if it’s for a friend. Go ahead and use your credit card to buy a book about exercise and fitness. Buying nice clothes increases your score. Buying too many clothes suggests you’re impulsive and undisciplined. If you’re buying plus-size clothing – pay in cash. Plus size purchasers are scored as less healthy.