Research indicates that BNPL access significantly increases total spending because the small installments make high-priced items "stick" in the consumer's mind as affordable. Budgeting vs. Overspending:

It often leads to "debt stacking," where users take out multiple simultaneous loans, potentially leading to lower credit scores or overdraft fees if not managed strictly.

Installments can give consumers more control over cash flow by spreading costs over several weeks or months.

This paper, along with related research from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and Harvard Business Review , highlights several key psychological and financial impacts of using BNPL for expensive electronics: Key Research Findings

For a deep dive into the "buy now, pay later" (BNPL) model for high-value tech like MacBooks, the most comprehensive academic resource is the titled "Buy Now, Pay Later Credit: User Characteristics and Effects on Consumer Spending" .

A survey cited in ScienceDirect found that while 59% of consumers used BNPL for items they otherwise couldn't afford, 57% later regretted the purchase because it was ultimately too expensive for their budget. Practical MacBook Financing Options

If you are looking for specific ways to apply this "pay later" approach, several programs exist for MacBooks: "Upgraded" The Worst Way To Buy A MacBook