Dear subscriber,
Buy now, pay later services have emerged as a popular payment method amid high prices globally, rising interest rates and economic uncertainty.
You may have used BNPL services in the UAE offered by companies like Tabby, Postpay, Cashew, Spotii and Tamara.
We spoke to Hosam Arab, chief executive and co-founder of Tabby, who said BNPL has smoothened out consumer spending throughout the month, rather than seeing very spiky behaviour around salary days.
While early adopters of BNPL were Generation Z and millennials, older users are also now switching to this payment method. BNPL spending has also moved away from being largely discretionary, according to Tabby data.
Consumers often choose BNPL arrangements over credit cards as they like the idea of delayed payments, especially when it is interest-free, and can make larger purchases seem more manageable and less daunting.
The application process for BNPL can also be quicker and less stringent than that of a credit card.
However, consumers must be aware of the terms and conditions attached to each BNPL transaction as late payment fees tend to be substantial, personal finance experts warn.
Users need to understand the effect of missed payments, not just in terms of the fines and interest they will incur, but also on credit scores.
Don't forget to scroll down to check out our readers' money-saving tip – this week, we highlight how saying no and delaying instant gratification can help build better spending habits. Get in touch with us at pf@thenationalnews.com to share your best tips.
How buy now, pay later schemes have influenced consumer spending
Ashitha Jayaprakash, 29, mainly uses buy now, pay later companies to break down purchases that are between Dh300 and Dh400 (about $82-$109).
The content marketer says she has been using BNPL services since 2022 to make smaller payments per month with zero interest.
“The payment is spread across three to four months and, perhaps more importantly, the BNPL apps are much more user-friendly,” she says.
Read the full story by Deepthi Nair …
My Dubai Salary: ‘I earn Dh40,000 a month as an entrepreneur’
Rubina Malik is passionate about the theme of women and financial literacy.
The Pakistani entrepreneur, who lives in Dubai Marina, was taught about the value of money and budgeting when she was young.
Born in Faisalabad and raised in the US, Ms Malik spent 19 years working as a business professor at an American university.
Currently on a sabbatical from academia, she works as a strategic adviser and managing director of Malik Global Solutions.
Read the full story by Deepthi Nair …
In case you missed it …
How inflation and high interest rates have reshaped consumer spending in Mena
Why gold could rocket to $2,500 amid record bull run
UAE Property: ‘My landlord hasn’t signed the renewal contract'
Money & Me
Money-saving tip #50
We live in a world of instant gratification. With one single swipe of your finger, everything you desire is available pronto, be it food from your favourite restaurant or a show you want to binge-watch.
But if we can delay some of that gratification by saying “no” or “not now”, we can save money and build better spending habits.
Also, the fear of missing out has made us more afraid to say “no” and potentially miss something others think is important, than to save our money.
It can be awkward to tell friends and family that you cannot afford to do something because talking about money is considered taboo.
It is important to have open conversations about our financial goals. Learning the art of saying “no” makes it easier to navigate these situations.
Have you got a great money-saving tip? Email it to us at pf@thenationalnews.com for a chance to be featured.
 |
Read more
| Global broker IBKR plans DIFC office to expand Middle East presence | |
| Bitcoin drops most in a year after Iran's attack on Israel | |
| Crypto.com secures full operational licence in Dubai |
