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I know it's no fun to think about this stuff when it comes to your wants, but hear me out. At SDGT Entertainment, we believe in making smart financial decisions, especially when it comes to purchasing tech. While the allure of the latest gadgets can be strong, buying unnecessary tech on interest can lead to financial pitfalls that are best avoided. We talk with fellow gamers on a daily basis, and came across the same consideration to get tech on a payment plan that comes with interest. This topic is perfect for October, because debt is a scary thing! Here’s why we strongly disagree with this practice and what we recommend instead.
Many companies offer enticing payment plans for tech products, such as graphics cards, with seemingly low monthly payments. For instance, you might find a plan that allows you to pay as little as $20 per month. However, these plans often come with high interest rates, sometimes as steep as 36% APR. On a $285 graphics card, this means you could end up paying over $88 more than the retail price. The additional cost can quickly add up, putting a strain on your finances if they're already tight.
We understand the desire to have the latest tech as soon as possible. However, this desire can lead to impulsive decisions that prioritize wants over needs. Many people find themselves in financial trouble because they give in to the temptation of instant gratification. It’s important to think twice before making such purchases and consider the long-term impact on your financial health.
Instead of falling into the trap of high-interest payment plans, we advocate for a more disciplined approach: Saving. By setting aside a specific amount each month, you can accumulate the funds needed to purchase tech outright. For example, if you save $50 per month, you could afford a new graphics card within a few months, without the burden of interest. This approach not only saves you money but also instills a sense of financial responsibility.
There are interest-free options available, and these can be a good alternative if you need to make a purchase immediately. However, even with these options, it’s crucial to ensure that you can comfortably afford the payments without compromising your financial stability.
By adopting a saving-first mentality, you can avoid the financial strain that comes with high-interest payments. This approach allows you to make purchases without the added stress of debt, leading to better financial health in the long run. Plus, the discipline of saving can help you achieve other financial goals more efficiently in addition to scoring your tech! Stay tuned because a new book from a member of SDGT is on its way, and it can help you score tech, games, and extra cash for $0!
LONDON, UK (Oct. 15, 2024) – Today, SQUARE ENIX® launched Early Access for the upcoming supernatural murder mystery, LIFE IS STRANGE: DOUBLE EXPOSURE. Between now and Oct. 29, players can experience all the twists and turns of the first two chapters of the game if they purchase the Ultimate Edition. Early Access for LIFE IS STRANGE: DOUBLE EXPOSURE starts today, with the full game launching on Xbox Series X|S consoles, PlayStation 5® and PC via Steam and Windows Store on Oct. 29.
The first two chapters of the game follow returning fan-favorite character Max, now a photographer-in-residence at Caledon University, as she kicks off a parallel-universe-spanning mystery and meets memorable new characters, including lovable astrophysicist Moses, aspirational poet Safi and many others. For fans of the episodic releases of past games, these first two chapters offer the perfect setup for the dramatic events to come and shouldn’t be missed.
Players can purchase the LIFE IS STRANGE: DOUBLE EXPOSURE Ultimate Edition to gain advanced access to Chapters 1 + 2 now, two weeks ahead of the release of the full game.
“LIFE IS STRANGE: DOUBLE EXPOSURE was crafted to be a satisfying mystery with no shortage of twists to keep you guessing where the story might go next,” says Game Director Jonathan Stauder. “With the early release of Chapter 1 + 2, we wanted to give fans the time and opportunity to speculate, theorize and analyze like they did when LIFE IS STRANGE was an episodic series. We’re looking forward to hearing all your theories after you’ve seen how these first two chapters play out!”
All progress and saves during Early Access will be carried through to the full release on Oct. 29.