Recently, I noticed that Z Service Stations are now offering Afterpay for all purchases (excluding tobacco and vaping products). On the surface, this might sound convenient — filling up your tank or grabbing groceries now, and paying later. But in reality, this could be a dangerous financial trap.
The Problem with Afterpay for Consumables
If you need to use Afterpay for fuel, food, or other day-to-day items, it’s worth asking yourself some hard questions. As blunt as it sounds:
- If you need to Afterpay fuel, is running a vehicle really sustainable for your situation?
- If you’re paying for groceries across four weeks, what happens when you need to shop again next week?
This is where Afterpay turns into a cycle of debt. You fill your car today, but before you’ve even finished paying that bill, you’ve likely filled up two or three more times. Suddenly, you’re paying off multiple tanks of fuel at once. It’s a perpetual spiral that’s difficult to escape.
How Banks See It
Banks and lenders view Afterpay (and similar “buy now, pay later” services) very unfavourably. Why? Because it’s unsecured, easy-access debt and it signals that someone may be overextended financially. This can affect your creditworthiness and limit your ability to borrow for important long-term goals like a home loan.
When Afterpay Might Be Acceptable
Not all Afterpay use is reckless. For example, if you need urgent repairs or maintenance on your vehicle and don’t have the cash upfront, using Afterpay as a short-term bridge can make sense. Emergencies happen, and sometimes these tools can help.
But for everyday consumables like fuel, food, or coffee runs? That’s a red flag 🚩. It’s not solving a problem — it’s creating a bigger one.
What You Can Do Instead
If you’ve found yourself relying on Afterpay for basics, it’s time to take a hard look at your financial habits and explore other strategies. That might mean revisiting your budget, reducing non-essential costs, or rethinking transport and lifestyle choices.
The good news? Change is possible. I’ve worked with many people who once felt stuck in the cycle of debt. With the right support, they’ve turned things around and are now moving towards financial freedom.
Need Support?
If this resonates with you or someone you know and you’d like to explore practical steps to get off the Afterpay treadmill, I’d love to help. Together, we can build a plan that works for you — one that puts you back in control of your money.
📩 Reply to this email or reach out today, and let’s start your journey to freedom.
Warm regards,
Kara Northcott
P.S. Break the Cycle. Build Financial Freedom
027 666 6784
📩 kara@financialconsultant.co.nz
🌐 kara-northcott-financial-consultant.kit.com
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