In a groundbreaking revelation that has simultaneously rocked the world of finance and lifted the spirits of the Monopoly board game fan club, it appears that some mortgage borrowers are treating their interest-only mortgages like Monopoly money. Data shows that these borrowers, adopting a laissez-faire attitude towards the game board of life, are being overly optimistic about their capacity to clear their final debt. Those familiar with the ruthlessly competitive dynamics of the popular board game can only shake their heads in disbelief. Interest-only deals appear simple because their cunningly structured payment plan only necessitates the borrower to pay off the interest of the loan, leaving the trivial matter of the actual loan known as the capital, till later. Remember the feeling of glorious invincibility when you landed on 'Free Parking' in Monopoly? That's perhaps how these borrowers feel - at least until the bank's version of Monopoly's 'Go to Jail' card comes along. However, in a shocking turn of events that has surprised practically no one, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) suggests that some individuals may have overlooked the tiny detail of facing a shortfall. Understandable, really, who feels like crunching numbers when they've landed their top hat on Mayfair? Rising costs and a preference for risk-taking that defines any professional Monopoly player may increase the popularity of interest-only deals. For those with the daring spirit and nonchalance of Uncle Pennybags himself, this may sound like an enticing thrill. However, financial experts (a.k.a killjoys) are urging caution. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it seems that treating mortgages like Monopoly money isn't the fool-proof strategy one might have hoped for - that is, unless you have an unlimited supply of 'Get Out Of Jail Free' cards or some hidden treasure stashed away on Baltic Avenue. And let's face it, the Chance and Community Chest cards rarely work in one's favor when it comes to the real-life board of adulting. As we await the next groundbreaking piece of common sense from the world of finance, let’s toast with our pretend Monopoly dollars, and take a moment to reflect on the precious life lesson brought to us via this fascinating incident – that real-life debt isn't quite as fun to accrue as Monopoly debt. This has been an important public service announcement from the game of life.