When it comes to money decisions, the numbers don’t always win. This week, we’re diving into how behavioral finance influences the way we approach big purchases—like deciding whether to buy, lease or finance a car or home renovation that stretches the budget. While one option might make the most sense on paper, your lifestyle, habits, and even emotions can steer you in another direction.
If you’ve been with your car insurance company for 25 years, but switching providers offers better coverage, lower deductibles, and hundreds in savings—what do you do? For many, the emotional weight of loyalty outweighs the financial upside of making a change.
Leasing isn’t just for cars anymore—it’s becoming a business model for everything from HVAC systems to washers, dryers, refrigerators, and water heaters. While leasing can ease upfront costs, it often comes with long-term financial drawbacks. We break down the numbers, compare short- vs. long-term costs, and discuss why lifestyle convenience often trumps financial optimization.
Is tapping into your home equity ever a smart investment move? If your potential returns exceed your mortgage rate, maybe—but it’s not just a math equation. We examine the behavioral and practical factors: cash flow, interest rates, risk tolerance, and the peace of mind that comes from being debt-free. Plus, what if you already have extra cash—should you invest it or knock down the mortgage?
Join hosts Nick Antonucci, CVA, CEPA, Director of Research, and Managing Associates K.C. Smith, CFP®, CEPA, and D.J. Barker, CWS®, and Kelly-Lynne Scalice, a seasoned communicator and host, on Henssler Money Talks as they explore key financial strategies to help investors navigate market uncertainty.
Henssler Money Talks — July 19, 2025 | Season 39, Episode 29
Timestamps and Chapters
- 7:28: Tame Market, Muted Returns
- 14:24: Loyalty vs. Logic: When Staying Costs More
- 25:14: The New Lease on Spending: Buy vs. Lease in Everyday Life
- 36:18: The Psychology of a Major Purchase
- 49:51: Home Equity: Invest It or Pay Down Debt?
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“Henssler Money Talks” is brought to you by Henssler Financial.
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