How did you pay for your rMBP?

[mattopotamus]

Just curious as to what form of payment everyone used to purchase the new retina MBP. I applied for the Barclays Apple Store Credit Card. I will pay off my new retina in the 12 month window for no interest.

Secondly, did anybody sell their old mac to purchase the new retina. I have my 2010 15" MBP on craigslist for $1200 right now.

Martin.

After that initial purchase, that is one of the worst cards to own. No rewards and a very high interest rate.

Also those saying having credit cards with a zero balance helps your credit, it does not. You want around 5-10% if you are trying to improve your credit. Zero will keep it stagnant.

 

[Nate Hoffman]

Sold my early 2011 13" MBP (with AppleCare and 8GB RAM) for $900. The rest was a no interest until April cash deposit from Citi into my checking account. The rate is 10% after April. Yes, I've got some credit card debt, but this is a business expense and the interest is tax deductible. I also just bought a house at 3.625% partly because I've never been late on a credit card payment.

 

[satchow]

7 people paid cash?!?!

I did best buy's 18 mo financing. Planning to pay it off within a year.

Why does that shock you? Some people like buying stuff they can afford lol.

 

[ugahairydawgs]

I know some people are wary of credit cards but as long as you pay them off at the end of the month (don't carry a balance, i.e. no debt), they can be a good thing. I've heard many nightmare stories of people having money locked out of their bank account due to their debit card number being stolen and such. With a credit card, if you see an invalid charge, you call them up and no issue. Plus they do nice things like give rewards or extend warranties.

If for some reason you can't pay a card off at the end of the month, then it is better to use other options.

I think the two of us agree in terms of carrying debt. I just think using it at all is bad for most people, as the materialistic nature of individuals tends to supercede what makes economic sense in a particular situation. The number of people I personally know that don't even budget their monthly income is staggering.

A lot of people are tone deaf when it comes to personal finance and we, as a society, use credit cards to justify purchases we can't afford to make. We say things like "I can afford this in a couple of months and can pay it off with no interest". When we have that little of self control that we can't wait for the gratification that comes along from making our purchases and so we turn to debt to help make it a reality, we're teaching ourselves a horrible lesson about how to live life. What happens when we buy this $2500 computer we can't afford and then the transmission starts messing up on the car? Now that money that was earmarked for the computer has to go somewhere else and, congtatulations, you are now a slave to the lender.

I know my argument is completely counter-cultural these days. The banks and credit card companies have spent a good bit of money trying to convince us all that we need to use credit cards in order to survive. But it simply just isnt true. For most people credit cards cause more harm than good, whether it be actual issues of debt or just the negative effect it has on your self control with how easy it is to swipe a piece of plastic to buy something you don't need.

 

[mohsy90]

Why does that shock you? Some people like buying stuff they can afford lol.

I meant like cash in hand, like a stack of money you handed over.....not a debit card. Though I know it's the same thing. And yes I can afford it, but I'd rather finance and help my credit score.

 

[leenak]

I am sorry but I think its ridiculous that people don't have 2k lying around somewhere. That really is pocket change. You should always have some money on your bank account.

Now its a different story if you have the cash but you just chose to pay in 12 months with 0% interest. Thats actually a good deal. No one likes to hand over 2k all in once.

Not everyone has 2k lying around and not everyone has 2k lying around for a computer When I used to read financial related boards, you'd run across many people who made $500k+/year and were severely in debt. They lived month to month on credit cards, carrying large balances and barely making ends meet.

To me that is insane but it usually starts with them being house poor.

----------

I think the two of us agree in terms of carrying debt. I just think using it at all is bad for most people, as the materialistic nature of individuals tends to supercede what makes economic sense in a particular situation. The number of people I personally know that don't even budget their monthly income is staggering.

A lot of people are tone deaf when it comes to personal finance and we, as a society, use credit cards to justify purchases we can't afford to make. We say things like "I can afford this in a couple of months and can pay it off with no interest". When we have that little of self control that we can't wait for the gratification that comes along from making our purchases and so we turn to debt to help make it a reality, we're teaching ourselves a horrible lesson about how to live life. What happens when we buy this $2500 computer we can't afford and then the transmission starts messing up on the car? Now that money that was earmarked for the computer has to go somewhere else and, congtatulations, you are now a slave to the lender.

I know my argument is completely counter-cultural these days. The banks and credit card companies have spent a good bit of money trying to convince us all that we need to use credit cards in order to survive. But it simply just isnt true. For most people credit cards cause more harm than good, whether it be actual issues of debt or just the negative effect it has on your self control with how easy it is to swipe a piece of plastic to buy something you don't need.

That is why I don't think credit cards are for everyone. When I got my first good paying job after college, I paid a lot on my debit cards until I figured out how to manage my money. After a while, I switched to cash-back credit cards and just never looked back. I personally wouldn't buy something that I don't have money for right now but I live well below my means and it tends to allow me a lot of flexibility for the things I'd like to have.

 

[spdntrxi]

Actually if you carry a balance, unless somehow you get 0% interest, then the points/rewards aren't worth it. Although I'd suggest waiting until you have enough in the bank to pay the card off at the end of the month, otherwise the 0% deal from Apple is a better option as long as you can pay it off in a few months.

yeah I'm still 0% interest on that CC

 

[limo79]

Simple: Since I am rare specimen so I sold my four kidneys. Even if I have to use dialysis I still think that it was a great deal rMBP is a product you MUST HAVE!

Unofficial reseller pricelist:
1 kidney = iPad or iPhone
2 kidneys = MBA, MBP
3 kidneys = MBA, MBP with iPad or iPhone
4 kidneys = rMBP
heart = rMBP, iPad, iPhone plus APP for free!
brain = currently no offer (TBD)
all organs = 1 day sightseeing tour in Cuppertino campus with the badger (loyal Steve Jobs advisor and real VP of top secret engineering dept)

 

[satchow]

I meant like cash in hand, like a stack of money you handed over.....not a debit card. Though I know it's the same thing. And yes I can afford it, but I'd rather finance and help my credit score.

Oh lol, yeah I don't think I've ever seen money exchange hands at an Apple store.

 

[cmdrmac]

I paid with my AMEX card to get the reward points

Will have balance paid off as soon as statement is available and the laptop charge from Apple has posted.

 

[VSLRA]

I paid my order by my MasterCard. I got money back after third same defect of my early 2011 Macbook Pro. But now I will have just 1 year warranty (in Europe is 2 years standard). And its because I ordered it on my fathers company, I can deduct VAT. Unfortunatelly, there is no more possibility (since 2008) to buy AppleCare in Czech Republic. :-/ Apple gave me a student discount, but still without VAT 20% and with Student discount the price is 3.120$ (2.490€). My EST is 24.Jun-31.Jun for 2.6/16/512.... Its pretty bad. Now i dont have my mac about 2 months already, because of 3.same defects in short time.

 

[Greg M]

I think the two of us agree in terms of carrying debt. I just think using it at all is bad for most people, as the materialistic nature of individuals tends to supercede what makes economic sense in a particular situation. The number of people I personally know that don't even budget their monthly income is staggering.

A lot of people are tone deaf when it comes to personal finance and we, as a society, use credit cards to justify purchases we can't afford to make. We say things like "I can afford this in a couple of months and can pay it off with no interest". When we have that little of self control that we can't wait for the gratification that comes along from making our purchases and so we turn to debt to help make it a reality, we're teaching ourselves a horrible lesson about how to live life. What happens when we buy this $2500 computer we can't afford and then the transmission starts messing up on the car? Now that money that was earmarked for the computer has to go somewhere else and, congtatulations, you are now a slave to the lender.

I know my argument is completely counter-cultural these days. The banks and credit card companies have spent a good bit of money trying to convince us all that we need to use credit cards in order to survive. But it simply just isnt true. For most people credit cards cause more harm than good, whether it be actual issues of debt or just the negative effect it has on your self control with how easy it is to swipe a piece of plastic to buy something you don't need.

Posts like yours have made me decide to sell my Retina. As much as I don't want to, it is the smart decision.

You are right and I knew it but tried to pull it off anyways. Not the responsible thing to do.

 

[Mr. Retrofire]

7 people paid cash?!?!

Yeah, do not buy something, if you do not have the money. The global financial crisis is based on the thinking "Buy today, pay tomorrow.". And if you can pay for your new rMPB in 10-12 months, then you can also wait 10-12 months, and you can pay with your own money.

2007–2012 global financial crisis
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007%E2%80%932012_global_financial_crisis

The 2007–2012 global financial crisis, also known as the Global Financial Crisis and 2008 financial crisis, is considered by many economists to be the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s. It resulted in the collapse of large financial institutions, the bailout of banks by national governments, and downturns in stock markets around the world. In many areas, the housing market also suffered, resulting in evictions, foreclosures and prolonged unemployment. The crisis played a significant role in the failure of key businesses, declines in consumer wealth estimated in trillions of US dollars, and a downturn in economic activity leading to the 2008–2012 global recession and contributing to the European sovereign-debt crisis.

 

[VSLRA]

May be Im pretty poor guy, but I dont understand to lifestyle of people in USA. You are taking debts for something you really want, because you dont have money for that. So why you dont save up some money every month and then, when you have enought for the thing, you can buy it without any fee for bank. Isnt it better? You dont have to worry about installments etc. Sorry just my opinion.

 

[leenak]

Yeah, do not buy something, if you do not have the money.

But I think the point is the use of cash is outdated. I personally don't carry more than a couple hundred dollars in my wallet and I'd feel nervous if I did. Only people I've seen carry around more than a couple hundred are migrant farm workers and I'm guessing none of you are migrant farm workers

 

[Dwhite78]

I used my debit card. No particular reason, it's probably just habit to use it over my credit card at this point. Can't imagine paying with cash — I'd be incredibly paranoid leaving the house with that amount of money in my pocket.

I put cash, simply because I consider my bank card to be a cash form of payment. I didn't even notice the debit card option before I voted! I'd never leave the house with 3grand in bills.

 

[mohsy90]

Yeah, do not buy something, if you do not have the money. The global financial crisis is based on the thinking "Buy today, pay tomorrow.". And if you can pay for your new rMPB in 10-12 months, then you can also wait 10-12 months, and you can pay with your own money.

Once again, I was referring to cash in hand, not a debit card. I only finance to help build my credit. Aside from this new purchase im free of student loans and any other card debt.

 

[leenak]

yeah, I put credit card but I don't carry a balance. I won't even need to touch my savings for the 2 MBPs I bought. I bought one as a gift for a relative who is a new college student and who was in desperate need of a laptop.

 

[dynafrom]

As a college student who is trying to get a good quality education at a quality University and getting almost zero help from anyone, debt is something that happens and is expected now...

If you are in that position, a rMBP should certainly not be a part of your growing debt.

 

[Hrim]

2499.- base price here

-10% store discount
-575.- (my bank gives me points you can use as money)

The rest with my credit card.

What bothers me is that I have to wait for the store to receive it, meanwhile apple store Geneva got plenty of them!

They are keeping all the retina for themselves so if you are, like me, forced to buy elsewhere ( 10% + coupons are working only in this store ) you will have to languish while people can simply walk in Apple and get out with the retina in 10 minutes...

Ugh, I don't even know when I will have it "maybe 4 weeks" they say.

 

[KPOM]

Just people should read the fine print if 12 months pass and your credit card isn't paid off, you get charged 23% for the previous 12 months. So make sure you pay it off ahead of time, like in 10 months.

----------

And I really didn't think people used cash anymore unless they are counting debit cards as cash.

X2. That's how Barclays makes money. People miss the last payment and they charge interest on the whole thing all the way back to day 1. They know a certain percentage won't pay it all off on time, and they use that history in determining how much they charge Apple for accepting the card.

Also, be sure the last payment is made by one year from the PURCHASE date, which may not be the same as the credit card statement date in month 12.

Better yet, set up an automatic payment plan on Barclays' site to be sure that the payment hits in time.

In general, the only redeeming feature of the BarclayCard is the deferred interest period. Other cards have better features otherwise. I guess it is no surprise that I just got an e-mail from them offering me another 12-month deferred interest period if I spend $1000 or more at the Apple Store in July. I haven't used the card in a year, and just paid for my 2012 Air using my miles card, so I won't be taking them up on the offer.

----------

After that initial purchase, that is one of the worst cards to own. No rewards and a very high interest rate.

Also those saying having credit cards with a zero balance helps your credit, it does not. You want around 5-10% if you are trying to improve your credit. Zero will keep it stagnant.

Card companies used to have a derogatory term for people like me, who put everything on our cards and never carry a balance. That said, doing that for 18 years gave me a credit score in the 800s. I agree that it is better to use cards than leave them around. However, don't go on a cancellation spree since your total debt as a percentage of available credit also factors into your score. Get rid of cards gradually, as your limit on other cards goes up.

 

[NightStorm]

Credit card so I get points, but will pay it off as soon as the first bill arrives.

 

[Bradllez]

I killed my rich uncle before he could decide to pull me off his will.

RIP Bob.

 

[spdntrxi]

X2. That's how Barclays makes money. People miss the last payment and they charge interest on the whole thing all the way back to day 1. They know a certain percentage won't pay it all off on time, and they use that history in determining how much they charge Apple for accepting the card.

Also, be sure the last payment is made by one year from the PURCHASE date, which may not be the same as the credit card statement date in month 12.

Better yet, set up an automatic payment plan on Barclays' site to be sure that the payment hits in time.

In general, the only redeeming feature of the BarclayCard is the deferred interest period. Other cards have better features otherwise. I guess it is no surprise that I just got an e-mail from them offering me another 12-month deferred interest period if I spend $1000 or more at the Apple Store in July. I haven't used the card in a year, and just paid for my 2012 Air using my miles card, so I won't be taking them up on the offer.

----------




Card companies used to have a derogatory term for people like me, who put everything on our cards and never carry a balance. That said, doing that for 18 years gave me a credit score in the 800s. I agree that it is better to use cards than leave them around. However, don't go on a cancellation spree since your total debt as a percentage of available credit also factors into your score. Get rid of cards gradually, as your limit on other cards goes up.

I carry a balance every once in awhile for a month or 2 at most... generally no more then 1K, just to appease them.. Credit score is above 800. Then pay it off.

 

[macindork]

I applied for and purchased my notebook with the barclaycard... then sold my iMac, MacBook Air and iPad and will use that money to pay off my credit card and use the remainder for something else