Imagine this: you see something online that you really want to have. Instead of paying right away, you click on “Buy now, pay later.” Nice and easy, right? Until the bill arrives on your doormat and suddenly you need to scrape together the amount quickly.

Does this sound familiar? You're not alone. More and more young people in the Netherlands are experiencing financial stress due to delayed payments, which can ultimately lead to troublesome debts. That's why the Dutch government launched the campaign Be the Boss of Your Money, with a clear message: Keep control of your money before your money takes control of you.

The growing challenge of “Buy now, pay later”

With payment options like Klarna, AfterPay, and Riverty, it's easier than ever to buy now and pay later. But this convenience also comes with risks. It can go wrong quickly:

• Extra costs and fines: What seemed like a good deal can end up costing much more.

  
  

• Financial stress and worries: Unpaid bills can significantly impact your mental health.

  
  

• Collection agencies knocking at your door: A few missed payments can cause big problems.

  
  

The campaign Pay Later Hangover warns young people about these risks with a grumpy cat that keeps hanging around… until you've paid off your debt. It's a reminder: Buying now and paying later is not free money! It's a financial choice, and every choice has consequences.

How to avoid the Pay Later Hangover

The good news? With a few simple steps, you can easily prevent money stress:

1. Think before you buy: Do you really need this, or is it an impulse purchase?

   
   

2. Save before you spend: You never know what might happen tomorrow. The best way to pay for what you want is to set aside money now.

How Potje can help you stay in control

Let's be honest: saving sometimes feels like a huge task. But what if saving was just as easy and fun as spending?

With Potje, that's possible! Here's how we help:

• Create savings goals: Set aside money for future purchases so that you're always prepared (even for that one impulse buy... but without regrets!).

  
  

• Track your progress: See at a glance how close you are to reaching your savings goal.

  
  

• Make saving a habit: Regularly set aside small amounts so you don't have to stress when the bill comes.

  
  

Remember: Savings does not mean you can't spend anything. It means you can spend without worry.

Take charge of your money today

The campaign is an important reminder that good money habits start today. The more control you have over your money, the more freedom you'll have later.

📌 Want to know more? Check out the campaign here.

👨‍👩‍👧 Are you a parent wanting to teach your child to save? Good money habits begin early. Teaching children how to save responsibly is one of the best financial lessons you can pass on.
Visit our special parents page and discover how Potje makes saving easy, fun, and educational – perfectly suited for their digital world!

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