How Consumer Payment Preferences Are Evolving in Trinidad

CrediQ Tipsters Keeping track of your money doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re living pay cheque to pay cheque, are on a fixed income or just want to stop feeling like you don’t know where your money is vanishing to every month — this guide is for you. Let’s work through an easy, low-pressure budget plan that keeps you in control, helps you do a little saving and allows you to still afford what you need. Step 1: Know What You’re Dealing With Begin with your monthly income. And that means your paycheck, pension, government benefits, side gig income — anything steady that always lands in your account. Example: Monthly income: $3,000 Step 2: Track Where It’s Going First, list your fixed expenses. So these are the expenses you have to pay every month – rent, utilities, phone, transport, insurance, childcare, school fees, medical expenses or medicine, and food. Example: Rent: $1,200 Groceries: $800 Utilities & Internet: $300 Transport: $100 Phone : $100 TOTAL: $2,500 Remaining: $500 Step 3: Make Space for the “Big Stuff” So now, what about those that cost more than you can pay for in one shot? New glasses for you or your kids, a new fridge, a washing machine, school tablets or even furniture? And this is what prompted the rise of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL). Instead of using your savings or missing out on necessary purchases/commitments, BNPL helps you to: Access an easy monthly payment option Get what you need right now Minimize high-interest credit card debt or payday loans Example: Your child needs glasses. With a CredIQ BNPL plan, you can pay just $220/month for 24 months—and still have cash on hand for a rainy day or unexpected expenses. Step 4: Establish Your Monthly Budget (We Use The 50-30-20 Rule) Here is a simple model: Category % of Income [Monthly Budget (based on $3,000)] Needs 50% $1,500 Wants 30% $900 Savings/Debt 20% $600 BNPL should be classified under “Needs” if it is for necessity goods. You protect your disposable income and preserve your rainy day funds by spreading out bigger expenses over several months. Step 5: Save whatever you can — Even a Little! It might be only $50 a month, but getting used to putting something away each month goes a long way to building the habit of saving. And when an unexpected bill lands in your lap, your future self will thank you. CredIQ Pro Tip: Set up recurring contributions to your savings! Arrange for it to go straight into a separate account as soon as your pay cheque comes in. This is sometimes wise to do at a bank that is not your bank to which your salary is sent. That way, it’s harder to access those funds and more likely that you’ll save them. Tools That Help Use a Budgeting App. Free ones are available on both Google and the App Store Record spending on a weekly basis, not just monthly. Small leaks sink big ships! BNPL = Smart Money If Used Right BNPL is as much an exercise in budgeting smarter as it is a way to get the higher priced thing you want right now. When you: KNOW WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD PLAN YOUR PAYMENTS DON´T OVERCOMMIT …BNPL can be the bill that frees you. Ready to Take the First Step? With no pressure and no impact on your credit score, see what you qualify for.