Call Us +1-555-555-555

Pay now, regret later?

15 February 2021

Mulcahy & Co Associate Financial Planner Tamara Vawdrey talks about the dangers and benefits of "Buy Now, Pay Later" programs, and how they should be approached.

Tamara Vawdrey

“Buy Now, Pay Later” has become more popular over the past few years with some of the suppliers being Afterpay and ZipPay. 


Consumers are able to make a purchase with no upfront payment required and no interest charged. The upside to Afterpay is purchasing some goods or a service and paying it off over 4 fortnightly payments, the downside being when a payment is missed the consumer is charged a $10 late fee.


Where the waters get murky is that Buy Now, Pay Later schemes are not regulated under the Credit Act like credit cards or other loans in Australia are so they are being offered to consumers who can’t necessarily afford to pay back the debt and living 

outside of their financial capability.

Afterpay transactions in Australia increased from 16.8 million in the 2017-2018 financial year to a whopping 32 million in the 2018-2019 financial year which an increase of 90% in just one year. In the 2019 financial year Afterpay charged their customers $46 million in late fees which is a red flag that they aren’t complying with important consumer protections like responsible lending.


Buy Now, Pay Later schemes can also have an impact on individuals wanting to apply for home loans because in the banks eyes by having an open Afterpay account with a credit limit of $2,000 (even if there is nothing owning on the account) it can affect the amount they wish to borrow.


In saying that it’s not all doom and gloom for Buy Now, Pay Later schemes, if you repay all your purchases on time and in line with the terms and conditions then they can be used as a cashflow tool. It is when consumers start using them for ‘spur of the moment’ or for ‘impulse buys’. Many times the purchase is not really needed, only wanted. Try to restrain from using Buy Now, Pay Later schemes for impulse buys and save up for that wanted item and give yourself the time to consider is it really a need not just a want.

Tamara Vawdrey

Associate Financial Planner
Ballarat office

Latest News

17 January 2025
Navigating Inheritances. Nicholes Family Law Partners Nadine Udorovic and Bec Dahl chat to Danny Archer and Damian McMahon. Together, they delve into the complexities of inheritances, offering valuable insights from both legal and financial perspectives on how to navigate this important topic.
18 December 2024
Watch the video above from Thayne. As 2024 comes to a close I thought I'd take the opportunity and send a thank you note to you all as gratitude for your continued support and loyalty. Throughout 2024 we have experienced; 1. Exceptional investment returns from all asset classes and sectors: ASX 200 up 23% S&P 500 up 30% AUST. Bonds up ~4.5% INTERNATIONAL Bonds up ~6% Aust Retail Property Trust up 39% 2. This hopefully reminds you all that it's best to remain invested even when economic conditions are uncertain. 3. We are actively monitoring and keeping an eye on US economic data particularly to understand which direction inflation may head, how this will impact interest rates and currency valuations, will there be a resurgence of small companies, emerging markets and bond and property prices. 4. With our research team we are well positioned to keep on top of the ever changing landscape, making investment decisions to maximise returns and minimise risk with regular investment committee meetings and analysis of data. 5. For many of our actively managed investment portfolios we ranked in the top 5 if not top 10 of throughout the course of the year which is a testament to the structure of Mulcahy & Co offices, people, systems and processes that we continue to build on to provide a quality service and outcomes to you all. 6. Please remember here at Mulcahy & Co the Financial Planning team is a part of a bigger network incorporating Accounting, Lending and Legal to deliver Financial Security 360 to make sure all of your financial needs are met and complement each other to achieve your goals and objectives. Once again I'd like to thank you for your support and wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and happy new year. The Mulcahy & Co Financial Planning Team
1 November 2024
We meet Accounting Partner Eamon and Mark from Compass Business Accountants who has joined the Mulcahy & Co Group operating from our Toowoomba, Queensland office. Host Gavin Nash talks to the pair who are operating from this thriving inland city and what services they offer their clients.
Show More
Share by: