Deferred Interest: The Retail Financing Trick That Could Cost You Big Time

Deferred Interest: The Retail Financing Trick That Could Cost You Big Time

Author: Lee Enterprises November 17, 2025 Duration: 18:24

In this episode of PennyWise, host John Kiernan and guest Adam McCann discuss the dangers of so-called “deferred interest” and how to avoid becoming a victim this holiday shopping season and beyond. John and Adam explain what deferred interest is and how it works, detail when you’re likely to encounter it, and provide tips for how to deal with it, plus ideas for safer alternatives. This financing trick is a lot more common and costly than most people realize, so it could really pay off to learn the ins and outs of this scheme. In addition, John answers some of your questions.

More on this episode from WalletHub: Best 0% APR Credit Cards & Best Budget Apps 

To find the best way to pay for your shopping trips, both during the holidays and throughout the year, check out WalletHub's picks for the best credit cards for shopping.


Ever feel like your financial goals and your desire to explore the world are constantly at odds? PennyWise: Personal Finance & Travel Tips digs into that very tension, offering a practical and surprisingly optimistic look at how to manage your money while still funding your adventures. Hosted by Lee Enterprises, this podcast moves beyond dry financial advice, weaving together conversations about smart investing, everyday budgeting, and the cultural richness that travel brings. Each episode introduces you to a different financial expert with actionable strategies, but the focus remains on real-life application-how a solid investment today can mean a memorable trip tomorrow, or how understanding local economies can deepen your travel experiences. You’ll hear discussions that connect market trends to personal savings plans, and thoughtful segments on how the places we visit shape our perspective on value and community. It’s a blend of street-smart finance and genuine curiosity about the world, designed for anyone who believes building wealth shouldn’t mean staying put. Tune in for a fresh take that makes financial planning feel less like a restriction and more like the key to unlocking meaningful experiences, all within a budget that makes sense for you.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

PennyWise: Personal Finance & Travel Tips
Podcast Episodes
Bold and Budget-Friendly: Maximalist Decor for Penny Pinchers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:27
As we navigate the world of interior design trends, PennyWise invites you to embrace the bold and eclectic with maximalist decor. Host Nat Cardona is joined by NerdWallet's senior writer Sara Rathner to discuss how to in…
Unraveling the Best Car Incentives of 2024 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:31
In this episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona teams up with NerdWallet's personal finance writer Kim Palmer to give you the latest on getting the best incentives when buying a new car in 2024. As the auto market recover…
Soaring Savings: How Airfare Prices Are Taking a Dive in 2024 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:39
In this episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona takes off with NerdWallet's travel expert Sally French to explore the surprising trend of dropping airfares in 2024. Despite the inflation affecting almost every corner of t…
Parenthood Postponed: Millennial Family Goals are Changing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:27
In a world where the cost of living is constantly on the rise, millennials are facing a unique financial dilemma: to have or not to have children. This week on PennyWise, Nat Cardona is joined by NerdWallet's personal fi…
Pet Insurance 101: Is It Worth It for Your Furry Friend? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:56
Pet owners know that their cuddly companions can rack up quite the bill, especially when accidents happen. Join us on Pennywise as Nat Cardona chats with Kim Palmer from Nerdwallet about the financial cushion pet insuran…
The best ways to make your Costco membership pay for itself [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:51
Big fans of Costco will tell you that good buys justify the cost of membership. However, Costco knows what it's doing. Host Nat Cardona is joined by Kim Palmer, a personal finance writer with NerdWallet, who points us do…
5 vacation spots for Disney fans that aren't Orlando or Anaheim [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:55
Are you a Disney fan, but weary of the prices and endless lines at the theme parks? Or perhaps you have a large family and taking a trip to Orlando, Florida or Anaheim, California isn't in the budget. In this week's epis…