AFFORD in positive statements

[retro]

Hello!

According to Oxford the verb afford,with the meaning of having enough money or time to be able to buy or to do something, is supposed to be used usually in negative sentences or questions, whereas Webster disagrees with that ("be able to afford a new car") The following line which is heard in the movie "American Beauty" supports Webster: "Well, now I know how you can afford all this equipment".

So, can afford be used in positive statements too?

Native speakers' help is greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

[mykwyner]

Absolutely! I can easily afford to give you a few minutes to tell you one of my favorite stories.

When I was a salesman, if a customer told me that he could afford something I was showing him, I'd tell him that in that case, he needed a more expensive one!