Debt Advice
Practical advice to help you take control of your debt
Plain-language guides on debt review, budgeting, credit and debt counselling in South Africa — written to help you understand your situation, not overwhelm you.
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Debt Counselling
How Debt Counselling Works in South Africa
A plain-language walkthrough of what actually happens during formal debt review — from your first assessment to what protection it gives you along the way.
Debt Management
Debt Review vs Debt Mediation: What's the Real Difference?
Formal debt review carries legal protection; informal mediation does not. Here's what actually separates them, and how to think about which fits.
Budgeting
How to Build a Realistic Monthly Budget
A budget only works if it reflects what actually happens in your bank account. Here's a straightforward way to build one you can stick to.
Credit & Credit Scores
Prescribed Debt: When a Debt Becomes Too Old to Claim
South African law limits most ordinary debts to three years. What prescription means, and why acknowledging an old debt can restart the clock.
Debt Review
What Documents Do I Need for Debt Review?
A practical checklist of what a debt counsellor typically asks for, why each item is needed, and what to do if you're self-employed or missing something.
Debt Review
What Happens After You Apply for Debt Review?
The stages between submitting your application and having a restructured repayment plan — including who decides what, and roughly how long each part takes.
Debt Review
Can Debt Review Be Removed or Terminated?
“Removal” means different things at different stages. Here's what actually applies — and why anyone guaranteeing a quick exit for a fee deserves scrutiny.
Cost of Living
How Inflation Affects Household Debt
Inflation quietly changes what your salary covers. Here's the mechanism, in plain language, and what it means if you're already repaying debt.
All articles
Debt Counselling
How Debt Counselling Works in South Africa
A plain-language walkthrough of what actually happens during formal debt review — from your first assessment to what protection it gives you along the way.
Debt Management
Debt Review vs Debt Mediation: What's the Real Difference?
Formal debt review carries legal protection; informal mediation does not. Here's what actually separates them, and how to think about which fits.
Budgeting
How to Build a Realistic Monthly Budget
A budget only works if it reflects what actually happens in your bank account. Here's a straightforward way to build one you can stick to.
Credit & Credit Scores
Understanding Your Credit Profile
Your credit profile affects more than loan approvals. Here's what it actually reflects, and what does (and doesn't) show up on it during debt review.
Getting Out of Debt
What to Do When You Can't Afford Your Monthly Repayments
Struggling to keep up with repayments is more common than it feels. Here's a clear-headed way to work out what's actually going on, and what your options are.
Debt Management
How to Deal With Multiple Creditors at Once
Owing several different creditors makes everything feel more chaotic than it needs to. Here's how to bring some order to it before deciding what to do next.
Personal Finance
Common Debt Mistakes to Avoid
Some of the most common ways a manageable debt situation becomes a harder one — and how to steer around them.
Credit & Credit Scores
Prescribed Debt: When a Debt Becomes Too Old to Claim
South African law limits most ordinary debts to three years. What prescription means, and why acknowledging an old debt can restart the clock.
Credit & Credit Scores
Your Rights With Credit Bureaus (And What They Cost: Nothing)
You can see your credit report free once a year, dispute mistakes at no cost, and escalate to a free ombud. Here's how to use rights you already have.
Debt Review
What Documents Do I Need for Debt Review?
A practical checklist of what a debt counsellor typically asks for, why each item is needed, and what to do if you're self-employed or missing something.
Debt Review
What Happens After You Apply for Debt Review?
The stages between submitting your application and having a restructured repayment plan — including who decides what, and roughly how long each part takes.
Debt Review
Can Debt Review Be Removed or Terminated?
“Removal” means different things at different stages. Here's what actually applies — and why anyone guaranteeing a quick exit for a fee deserves scrutiny.
Cost of Living
How Inflation Affects Household Debt
Inflation quietly changes what your salary covers. Here's the mechanism, in plain language, and what it means if you're already repaying debt.
Cost of Living
How Interest Rates Affect Your Monthly Repayments
Repo rate, prime rate, fixed versus linked — what actually moves your instalment, and which of your debts are exposed.
Getting Out of Debt
How Do I Know If I Am Over-Indebted?
Over-indebtedness has a specific legal meaning in South Africa — and some practical warning signs that usually show up well before it does.
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