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The Purchase of Depreciating Assets on EMI: A Painful Illusion of Disposable Income

Introduction

In the age of easy financing, the rise of “buy now, pay later” schemes has transformed the way individuals approach spending, particularly for big-ticket items like vehicles, gadgets, and appliances. These items, often considered depreciating assets, lose value over time, yet their purchase on Equated Monthly Installments (EMI) continues to lure consumers with the promise of affordability. This consumer behavior, while seemingly beneficial in the short term, can lead to a distorted perception of disposable income and eventually financial stress.

The Appeal of EMI Purchases

The EMI option is marketed as a way to make expensive items accessible without having to shell out large sums upfront. Instead of paying, for example, $10,000 for a new car, consumers can pay monthly installments over a few years, breaking the large amount into seemingly manageable chunks. The psychological benefit is clear: spreading out payments makes the purchase feel more affordable, and the immediate need for liquidity decreases.

However, this sense of affordability is often illusory, particularly when it comes to depreciating assets. A car, for instance, starts losing value the moment it is driven off the lot. Electronics and home appliances become obsolete or outdated with the rapid pace of technological advancement. Yet, the consumer continues to pay the same amount in EMIs, regardless of the asset’s declining worth.

Depreciating Assets: A Hidden Pitfall

A depreciating asset is anything that loses value over time. Cars, electronics, and furniture are prime examples. In the financial world, these assets don’t provide returns. Instead, they lose monetary value with wear and tear, technological obsolescence, or simply market trends. When you purchase such an item on EMI, you’re essentially paying more for an item that becomes less valuable with each passing month.

For example, buying a smartphone on EMI means you are paying the full price of the phone (plus interest in most cases) for a device that may be worth significantly less by the time you’ve finished paying for it. By then, newer models are out, making your device not only older but less desirable.

The Illusion of Disposable Income

One of the most significant issues with purchasing depreciating assets on EMI is how it distorts an individual’s perception of their disposable income. Disposable income refers to the money available after accounting for necessary expenses like rent, utilities, and groceries. Many consumers assume they can afford a luxury purchase based on their available monthly income, forgetting that EMI payments siphon off a portion of that disposable income each month.

Here’s where the problem lies: individuals may continue their usual spending habits without accounting for the long-term impact of EMI payments. The monthly deduction from their bank account may not seem significant, but over time, as more and more purchases are made on EMI, these payments accumulate, reducing actual disposable income.

This leads to a false sense of financial stability. As individuals finance more items on EMI, they often fail to see the mounting financial commitments that will strain their future finances. The deceptive comfort of manageable monthly payments results in overspending, and when unexpected expenses arise, consumers may find themselves lacking the funds they thought they had.

Financial Strain and Stress

The prolonged nature of EMI payments also makes it harder for individuals to budget for future needs or save for emergencies. Instead of building wealth or investing in appreciating assets (such as stocks, bonds, or real estate), they are locked into payments for assets that are losing value.

Over time, this can result in financial strain as obligations pile up. The illusion of affordability disappears as more of one’s income is diverted toward monthly payments. For individuals who have financed multiple depreciating assets at once, the financial burden can quickly become overwhelming, leading to stress, anxiety, and even debt traps.

Breaking the Cycle: Smart Financial Decisions

While purchasing on EMI can be convenient, it’s essential for individuals to adopt a more critical approach when considering such purchases. To avoid falling into the trap of overspending and diminished disposable income, here are some practical financial tips:

  1. Avoid Financing Depreciating Assets: If possible, avoid buying depreciating assets on EMI. For smaller purchases like electronics, it might be better to save up and buy the item outright, especially if the asset’s value will decrease quickly.
  2. Factor in the Total Cost: EMIs often come with interest, increasing the overall cost of the item. Consider whether the convenience of paying in installments is worth the added expense over time.
  3. Track Your Commitments: Keep track of all your EMI payments and consider them part of your fixed monthly obligations. This will help you better assess how much disposable income you truly have left.
  4. Prioritize Savings and Investments: Instead of financing depreciating assets, focus on building an emergency fund and investing in appreciating assets that grow your wealth over time.
  5. Think Long-Term: Before making any purchase on EMI, consider how long you’ll be paying for the item and whether it will still be useful or valuable by the time the final payment is made.

Conclusion

The allure of buying depreciating assets on EMI may provide temporary gratification, but it’s essential to recognize the long-term financial implications. While the idea of affordable monthly payments can create a false sense of increased disposable income,

the reality is that these payments chip away at your financial freedom, especially when they are tied to assets that lose value over time. By becoming more conscious of the costs involved and the true impact on disposable income, individuals can make smarter purchasing decisions, avoid unnecessary debt, and focus on building a more sustainable financial future.

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