Buy Now, Regret Later? Why it’s time to rethink “Afterpay Day”

Four days of sales. One big push to spend. 'Afterpay Day' is back - and with it, a wave of marketing urging us to buy now and worry about the money later.

But with New Zealand households living at 169% of their income and 478,000 people already behind on at least one loan repayment, we need to stop and ask: Is this helping, or quietly harming?

What’s the real cost of “Buy Now, Pay Later”?

BNPL is sold as freedom. A way to enjoy something today, without the financial sting. But the sting still comes - just later and usually harder.

Here’s what makes it risky:

It’s debt dressed up as convenience.
You’re committing to payments across future pay cycles, often without knowing what else might hit your wallet in the meantime.
Many people end up juggling multiple repayments across multiple BNPL providers — and that’s where it can start to spiral.

The credit limit for Afterpay has recently increased from $3,000 to $4,000. And you’re expected to pay it back in just a few weeks. That’s not just short-term borrowing - that’s a fast track to long-term harm.

The problem isn’t just Afterpay Day. It’s what it normalises.

In a country where:

Debt-to-income is 169%.
Nearly half a million people are behind on payments.
Quick credit is easier to access than proper support.

…pushing more short-term debt as a “solution” is just fueling the fire.

Because if your income isn’t enough to cover the things you need - the problem isn’t that you need to borrow more. The problem is the system that keeps pushing credit, without offering a real way out.

So what’s the alternative?

At Money Sweetspot, we don’t believe in short-term fixes that make long-term problems worse. We believe in helping people RESET - and rewarding hard working Kiwis for doing the mahi to get out of debt.

That means:

No predatory interest or penalties.‍
Education that builds confidence and momentum.
Sweetspot Points for every action you take - like reading articles, updating your goals, and learning about money.
‍Real rewards: Points you can use to pay off your loan faster or boost your savings!

It’s not just debt relief. It’s a pathway to financial freedom.

What can you do this Afterpay Day?

Try our 48-hour pause rule. Give your brain a chance to make the call - not the marketing.
Check in on your finances. Are you spending from a place of pressure?
Talk to us. If you want to get out of debt for good and are willing to do the mahi, we’re here to help.

Final thought:

Quick credit might look like a shortcut. But shortcuts often cost more. This Afterpay Day, press pause before you tap.

If you're ready to stop borrowing and start building - We’ve got your back and can support you with a Financial Reset.

Want to hear from everyday Kiwis who have reset their finances and are on their way to getting out of debt and on with life? Read our customer stories of real change, grit and courage. From families who faced their debt head-on, did the mahi, and unlocked brighter futures, some even stepping into their first home!

Zac's Rapid Recovery

“8 months later… boom! Out of debt and on with life.” - Zac

Amid financial turmoil and personal challenges, Zac a young professional in his 20s faced the daunting task of overcoming $40,000 in high-interest debt. He overcame $40,000 of high-interest debt in just eight months by embracing our structured financial reset and making substantial lifestyle adjustments. His success story is a testament to the power of honest self-assessment and dedicated support.

Brooke's Story of Understanding

"Leticia was absolutely wonderful to deal with! No judgment, only understanding... Thank you so much for giving our family this wonderful opportunity to restart our lives." - Brooke

Brooke praised Leticia from our team for her empathy and speed, helping Brooke's family start anew without judgment and with a full support system.

Luke's Life-Altering Service

“"Amazing service! Receiving a financial reset from Money Sweetspot has significantly reduced my stress by simplifying my payments. Leticia was incredible, treating me like a real person and fully supporting the financial changes benefiting me and my whanau. I’m grateful for this life-changing opportunity and excited to continue learning through the customer portal." - Luke

Luke found relief in consolidating his debts, significantly reducing his financial stress and allowing him to focus more on his family and future.

Jane's Fresh Start

"Amazing company and team, very helpful and understanding of complex situations, providing solutions to get out of debt faster! Thank you for the chance to start fresh." - Jane

Jane was desperate to escape her debt trap. Our team listened and provided a financial reset that allowed her to start fresh, giving her the tools to navigate her finances more confidently.

Essie's Break from the Debt Cycle

"So grateful for Money Sweetspot. I was stuck in a constant cycle of debt... I finally have a real chance to get out of debt through Money Sweetspot. The interest rate, incentives, and support truly made a difference." - Essie

Essie finally saw a way out of her constant debt cycle with our help. The lower interest rates and supportive framework we provided made a real difference in her life.

‍Ready to embark on your own financial reset?

Inspired by these stories? If you're a New Zealand Citizen or Resident juggling $2,500 to $40,000 of debt and ready to start your journey to financial freedom, Money Sweetspot might be able to help. Once you're all paid off, you'll be on your way to whatever’s next in life - Apply Now!