July 19, 2025

 

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.

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Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
This article is for demonstrative and academic purposes and is meant to provide valuable background information on particular investments, NOT a recommendation to buy. The investments referenced within this article may currently be traded by Henssler Financial. All material presented is compiled from sources believed to be reliable and current, but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The contents are intended for general information purposes only. Information provided should not be the sole basis in making any decisions and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional, such as a tax consultant, insurance adviser or attorney. Although this material is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information with respect to the subject matter, it may not apply in all situations. Readers are urged to consult with their adviser concerning specific situations and questions. This is not to be construed as an offer to buy or sell any financial instruments. It is not our intention to state, indicate or imply in any manner that current or past results are indicative of future profitability or expectations. As with all investments, there are associated inherent risks. Please obtain and review all financial material carefully before investing. Henssler is not licensed to offer or sell insurance products, and this overview is not to be construed as an offer to purchase any insurance products.
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