Renting-to-Own vs Credit Cards
One of the most controversial conversations I have with others is whether renting-to-own is a better choice then using a credit card when purchasing a product.
I am a true believer in renting-to-own.
But in my own opinion both have their advantages and disadvantages.
The advantage of renting-to-own is the option of returning or replacing a product if damaged.
I have been renting-to-own from RAC (Rent-A-Center) for many years.
Every item I have purchased from RAC I have paid off but during the renting period I have been able to return or replace the product.
For example I have been paying on a laptop for a few years now and I've had to replace the battery pack once and the battery charger once.
I have about a year left on the contract so I may upgrade the unit before it's paid off.
With a credit card you are stuck with the product even if it is unfixable.
Another advantage is building credit instead of hurting credit.
We can all agree that certain events happen in our lives that could hurt someone's credit such as lost of job, being laid off or even getting injured.
So, let's say that in the next 3 months a series of events occurs prohibiting me to pay the rent of my laptop.
If I've paid my payments in those 3 months in the 4th month I can return the laptop without it affecting my credit or adding interest rates that occurs with a credit card.
With a credit card you still have to pay the bill and also worry about those annoying debt collectors who don't care about your problems.
Now, the disadvantage of renting-to-own is paying almost double of the original price than if bought with a credit card.
Usually when renting the payments are broke down weekly and by the time the item is paid off it would've cost more than if the item was bought at a store.
But this won't happen if an early payout occurs.
Early payouts will help lower the cost of an item.
Renting-to-own is also limited on products.
Usually the items found at RAC or at any other rent-a-center are computers, living room, and kitchen or bedroom furniture.
I have yet to find a rent-to-own place with things like lawn mowers.
I see nothing wrong with renting-to-own other than a few minor disadvantages.
I say rent-to-own if you have issues with your credit.
If you hate debt collectors then renting-to-own can be non-stressful.
But please don't knock it until you try it.
I am a true believer in renting-to-own.
But in my own opinion both have their advantages and disadvantages.
The advantage of renting-to-own is the option of returning or replacing a product if damaged.
I have been renting-to-own from RAC (Rent-A-Center) for many years.
Every item I have purchased from RAC I have paid off but during the renting period I have been able to return or replace the product.
For example I have been paying on a laptop for a few years now and I've had to replace the battery pack once and the battery charger once.
I have about a year left on the contract so I may upgrade the unit before it's paid off.
With a credit card you are stuck with the product even if it is unfixable.
Another advantage is building credit instead of hurting credit.
We can all agree that certain events happen in our lives that could hurt someone's credit such as lost of job, being laid off or even getting injured.
So, let's say that in the next 3 months a series of events occurs prohibiting me to pay the rent of my laptop.
If I've paid my payments in those 3 months in the 4th month I can return the laptop without it affecting my credit or adding interest rates that occurs with a credit card.
With a credit card you still have to pay the bill and also worry about those annoying debt collectors who don't care about your problems.
Now, the disadvantage of renting-to-own is paying almost double of the original price than if bought with a credit card.
Usually when renting the payments are broke down weekly and by the time the item is paid off it would've cost more than if the item was bought at a store.
But this won't happen if an early payout occurs.
Early payouts will help lower the cost of an item.
Renting-to-own is also limited on products.
Usually the items found at RAC or at any other rent-a-center are computers, living room, and kitchen or bedroom furniture.
I have yet to find a rent-to-own place with things like lawn mowers.
I see nothing wrong with renting-to-own other than a few minor disadvantages.
I say rent-to-own if you have issues with your credit.
If you hate debt collectors then renting-to-own can be non-stressful.
But please don't knock it until you try it.
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