Shant Zadoian | My Opinions

When I moved to the USA a couple of decades ago, financing options for home furniture typically spanned 12 to 24 months. It was manageable, and it made sense for significant purchases. Over the years, however, I’ve noticed a troubling trend: corporations have quietly extended financing terms to 60, even 120 months, normalizing this shift by keeping monthly payments artificially low. This isn’t just about furniture—it’s a symptom of a larger issue. As consumers, we’ve been conditioned to finance everything: homes, cars, furniture, and sometimes even everyday items. The pride of ownership has been replaced by a culture of perpetual payments, locking people into decades of financial obligations. The corporate strategy is clear: stretch payment terms, raise prices, and make it seem "affordable" in the short term. But at what cost? It’s time to pause and ask: Are we truly gaining, or are we just falling deeper into a cycle designed to benefit big corporations? What are your though...

In today’s economy, convenience has become king. Whether it's a new car, a house, or even a smartphone, the pitch is the same: buy now, pay later. Add in a layer of insurance “for your protection,” and the entire system seems designed to make life easier. But underneath this surface-level comfort lies a troubling truth — one that is fueling inflation, distorting markets, and quietly punishing those who try to live within their means. Let’s start with the basics. When something can be financed, the perceived price becomes irrelevant. The focus shifts from "How much does this cost?" to "Can I afford the monthly payment?" This subtle shift changes everything. Take cars, for example. In a cash-only world, a $1,000 car would only be accessible to someone who has $1,000. That keeps prices in check. But when loans are available, that same car can now be bought for $50 a month over two years. Suddenly, demand skyrockets. Manufacturers see this and raise prices — maybe...