Festive-season discounts and financing offers can make big-ticket purchases more accessible, but the headline price or monthly instalment may not reflect the full cost of buying and owning an asset.
Whether purchasing a car, jewellery or consumer durables, consumers need to assess the upfront cost, financing terms and impact on their monthly cash flow before making a decision.
Look beyond the advertised interest rate
Festive financing offers can lower the initial cost of borrowing, but consumers should compare the annual interest rate, processing fees, loan tenure and total repayment amount. A lower EMI achieved through a longer tenure may mean paying more interest over the life of the loan.
For example, used-car platform Spinny said it introduced festive-season financing offers through its lending partners, with loan rates starting at 10.5%. The rate available to an individual borrower would depend on the lender’s terms and eligibility criteria.
Spinny said that BMW accounted for 33% of luxury cars delivered within its Spinny Max segment on October 11, alongside continued demand for Audi and Mercedes-Benz.
The company said luxury deliveries grew 21% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, while average selling prices increased 25%, indicating demand for higher-priced vehicles within its premium used-car segment.
Calculate the full cost of ownership
The purchase price is only one part of the cost of owning a car. Buyers also need to account for insurance, fuel, maintenance and other applicable expenses. These costs should be assessed alongside the EMI to determine whether the vehicle fits within the household budget.
The same principle applies to other big-ticket purchases. Consumers should consider recurring costs, maintenance and any additional borrowing required to complete the purchase, rather than focusing only on the discount.
Check whether the EMI fits existing commitments
A purchase may appear affordable when viewed in isolation but become difficult to sustain when combined with rent, existing loan repayments, household expenses and regular investments.
Vikrant Mudaliar, co-founder of Cruise Money, an AI-first personal finance platform, advises consumers to review their assets, liabilities and financial obligations over the next three months before deciding how much to spend during the festive season.
Decide how to use a festive bonus
A festive bonus can provide additional funds for a planned purchase, but consumers should decide how to allocate it before spending. Mudaliar suggests dividing the amount between celebrations, financial goals and repayment of expensive debt.
Using a bonus towards a purchase or loan repayment should be weighed against near-term cash requirements and emergency savings. Consumers should also avoid committing to EMIs on the assumption that they will receive uncertain future income.
Do not let a discount determine the purchase
A discount creates a saving only when the purchase was necessary or planned in the first place. Consumers should compare prices and financing terms, assess whether the product meets their needs and avoid borrowing simply because credit is readily available during the festive season.
The objective is not necessarily to avoid festive purchases or loans, but to ensure that the cost and repayment commitments remain manageable after the offers expire and the festive season ends.