The Truth About Afterpay: Why It’s Not Always a Bad Thing
Let’s talk about something a little controversial in the world of personal finance:
Afterpay. Laybuy. Zip. Buy Now, Pay Later.
If you follow most financial advice online, you’ve probably heard the blanket rule:
“Avoid BNPL services at all costs.”
And I get it — these platforms can absolutely become a debt trap if you’re not careful.
But here’s the thing no one tells you:
Sometimes, BNPL isn’t about bad habits. It’s about survival.
When you’re on a low income, recovering from financial abuse, or starting over with zero savings, you don’t always have the luxury of paying for essentials upfront.
I remember when I didn’t yet own a car and had to walk everywhere. My cheap sneakers were falling apart, and my feet were constantly in pain. But I didn’t have $100 spare to buy a good pair of shoes.
So I used Afterpay. Four manageable payments later — I had shoes that didn’t hurt me.
That wasn’t impulse spending. That was dignity.
So, is Afterpay bad?
Not inherently.
The problem isn’t the tool — it’s how and why it’s used.
If you’re using it to cover up emotional spending, to impress people, or to buy things you know you can’t afford — that’s when it can spiral.
But if you’re using it because your kid needs warm clothes this winter and you don’t have a sinking fund yet? That’s not a personal failure. That’s a gap in your financial safety net.
Here’s how I used BNPL responsibly:
✅ I only used it if I knew I could make the repayments
✅ I set rules for myself — BNPL was only for essential purchases
✅ I treated it like a temporary tool, not a lifestyle
Eventually, I stopped needing Afterpay — because I put systems in place.
The key to getting off the BNPL hamster wheel?
Sinking funds and emergency funds.
A sinking fund is money you set aside gradually for known upcoming expenses — like car repairs, birthdays, school fees, or clothes for the next season.
You’re not surprised by these expenses — they’re part of life. Sinking funds help you be ready before they show up.
An emergency fund is your safety net. It’s what stops an unexpected cost (like a broken washing machine or vet bill) from turning into a crisis.
I’ve written more about setting these up - click here.
Final thoughts:
I’m not here to shame anyone for using Afterpay.
I have used it. I just don’t need to anymore — and that’s what I want for you too.
You deserve financial tools that empower you, not trap you.
So if you’re using BNPL right now, take a breath. There’s no shame.
But let’s work on building the systems that mean you won’t have to rely on it forever.
You’re not failing — you’re rebuilding. 💛
