Lower Loan Payment, Higher Total Cost? The Refinance Check
Compare monthly payment, total future cost and the debt-free date before refinancing. A worked example shows why a lower rate and payment can still cost more.
Finance videos / Borrowing & housing
Buy Now Pay Later Explained: Small Payments, Big Problem
Buy now pay later explained: see how overlapping instalments crowd your payday budget, and check the full price, repayment calendar and fees.
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Leo divided his payment by four. Unfortunately, he did not multiply his salary.
In this Fiscal Nonsense episode, a pair of headphones becomes three overlapping instalment plans. Maya, Nina, Alex and Ben help Leo discover why a small payment is not the same as a small price.
Follow a worked calendar example: $100 headphones, $120 shoes and a $200 chair. Two busy Fridays bring $105 of repayments into a pay period with only $80 available after essentials. The lesson: check the full price, the whole schedule, and what is already promised to your future paychecks.
We also cover interest-free offers, possible fees, autopay, refund checks, and what to do if you are already juggling payments. All amounts and schedules are fictional examples; actual agreements and protections vary.
CHAPTERS 00:00 Only $25 today? 00:17 The price has sequels 01:06 The calendar ambush 01:55 Interest-free is not consequence-free 02:29 Ask your future self 02:58 Already juggling payments? 03:36 One calendar, full price
THIS WEEK’S CHALLENGE List every remaining payment across all providers, then compare the due dates with your income, essentials, and existing commitments before accepting another plan.
More Fiscal Nonsense: https://fiscalnonsense.com
RESOURCES CFPB — What is a buy now, pay later loan? https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-buy-now-pay-later-bnpl-loan-en-2119/ CFPB — BNPL fees and insufficient funds: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/do-buy-now-pay-later-bnpl-loans-have-fees-en-2118/ FTC — Payment plans, contracts and refunds: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/buy-now-pay-later-rent-own-lease-own-and-layaway
Original fictional characters. AI-generated voices and character animation, with locally animated teaching graphics and original sound effects. General financial education; suitable choices depend on your circumstances and the actual agreement. No provider is depicted or endorsed.
#BuyNowPayLater #Budgeting #PersonalFinance #FiscalNonsense
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