Those slick “Buy Now, Pay Later” buttons at checkout feel harmless—almost helpful. Split $80 into four easy payments? Why not?

But here’s the thing: BNPL isn’t a budgeting tool. It’s a debt trap in disguise.

One that’s about to start affecting your credit score, and more importantly—your ability to build real wealth.

This week, we’re digging into:

✅ What BNPL apps are actually doing to your finances
✅ The bigger mindset shift behind avoiding debt—even small debt
✅ How to protect your credit score and your future

Let’s talk long-term thinking and short-term temptation.

Bon a petit! 🧑‍🍳

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Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) exploded from $2B in 2013 to over $340B globally in 2023, according to Worldpay.

That’s not budgeting—that’s a debt boom.

Just because it feels casual doesn’t mean it’s not debt. And by the end of this newsletter, you’ll see how BNPL payments can really delay your progress elsewhere.

Let’s break it down:

Even four payments of $25? Still a loan. Still a risk.

“Just $10 this week” becomes $200 in surprise autopayments next month.

Some agencies now treat BNPL like a revolving loan. Miss a payment or stack up too many, and it dings your profile.

Every $40 BNPL charge is $40 not going into savings, an emergency fund, or investments.

This is where it gets deeper.

That’s the real issue here. BNPL teaches you to feed every impulse—and then deal with the consequences later.

Here’s the truth:

Even if you’re paying off debt now, aim to set aside $1,000 in a mini emergency fund (just ask Dave Ramsey). That buffer protects you from slipping into debt again the next time life throws something your way.

Even $1,000 can break the BNPL cycle.

Want something big? Save up in advance and buy it with pride—not panic.

Give your brain time to figure out if it’s actually worth it.

Let’s recap:

🧨 BNPL is still debt—even when it’s disguised as “4 easy payments.”
📉 It’s showing up in credit reports more and more.
⛔ It erodes your ability to delay gratification—the key to wealth.
💰 If you can’t buy it with your own money, you’re not ready to buy it.

Cheers to getting 1% better each week! 🥂

Ever dodged a BNPL bullet or had a moment that changed how you think about debt?
Reply and share—we may feature your story (anonymously) in a future edition.

Thanks for reading,
—Your friends @ Future Funders 🍽️

P.S. Forward this to someone who’s currently paying off four pairs of sneakers at $12.50 a pop.