INSPIRATION – DAN

The Debt Dilemma: Avoiding Depreciating Assets

In today’s consumer-driven society, borrowing money to buy the latest car or gadget is not uncommon. But did you know that this could potentially lead to financial strain and keep you broke? The culprit behind this is the depreciating nature of these assets.

• Depreciating assets, like cars or electronics, lose value over time. A brand-new car, for instance, drops dramatically in value the moment it leaves the dealership lot, losing approximately 20% of its value in the first year alone.
• On the other hand, trendy gadgets also depreciate rapidly as technology advances, making previous models obsolete and less valuable. Despite this depreciation, if you borrowed money to purchase these items, the debt does not decrease. You’re left paying off a debt for an item that’s worth significantly less than when you bought it.

This cycle of debt can lead to financial strain, as your income is continually diverted to pay off these purchases, leaving less room for savings or investments. It’s a perilous financial treadmill that can keep you in a constant state of financial instability.

So, the next time you consider borrowing money for a depreciating asset, think again. It’s often more financially prudent to save for such purchases, or even consider buying them second-hand. Remember, going into debt for items that lose value over time is a surefire way to hinder your financial growth. Aim instead to invest in appreciating assets, such as property or stocks, to build a financially secure future.