DebtSafe Blog

Helpful Tips to Pay off Student Loans Faster

For the past few weeks’ South African universities were under siege by students protesting increasing tertiary fees and student debt – until President Zuma stepped in and made an official statement that no fee rise will be enforced next year. While campuses are calming down and some classes are back to normal, the ever-present issue

New Affordability Assessment Regulations

In an effort to stop reckless credit granting, the National Credit Amendment Act (NCAA) has proposed affordability assessment requirements. Consumers will find it more difficult to get credit. But at the same time, the new amendment will protect consumers who can’t afford more debt. On 13 March this year, the DTI published the regulations. But

Spending Habits and Credit Cards

People’s cash-flow is getting stretched more and more each month. But if you’re finding yourself relying heavily on your credit card to get you through it’s time to have a serious look at your spending habits. According to statistics from our survey, a little over 50% of the participants indicated that they don’t have a savings

Unemployment and Debt

Stats SA announced that the unemployment rate in South Africa has declined by 1.4% to 25% between the first and second quarters of 2015. But, the unemployment rate is still high. Living expenses increase. The economy isn’t looking promising. More mines are threatening to close down. The average South African isn’t earning enough to make necessary

Repo Rate Hike a Wake-Up Call for South Africans

When the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) governor Lesetja Kganyago last week announced a repo rate hike of 25 basis points to 6%, banks, businesses, and South Africans were up in arms. Yet economists expected the increase. The SARB governor said high levels of wage growth, currency fluctuation, and ESKOM increases had an impact on

Why Debt Review Is Your Best Option

Are you aware of the various options you have when it comes to getting out of debt? There are four debt management options which you can consider when you’re over-indebted or struggling with your finances. These include administration, consolidation loan, debt review and sequestration. But how do these options weigh against each other?  Plus we’ll

Saving for a Perfect December Holiday

The “silly season” is almost upon us and although this period is supposed to be joyous, many people stress about trying to give their families the perfect December holiday. December Holiday and credit cards Always try your best to refrain from paying holiday expenses with a credit card. However, paying by credit only makes sense

2015 National Savings Month

South Africa is celebrating National Savings Month this July. But this is also the time of year a lot of us are struggling to keep ahead with payments. The average South African is paying almost all their income on debt repayments and we’re on a mission to educate individuals to become better off financially. What

World Bank Stats 2014: South Africans Are Biggest Borrowers

In an article published on a well-known online publication this week, statistics from a survey done by the World Bank shows that South Africans were the biggest borrowers in 2014 worldwide. This is extremely disconcerting. In our survey done earlier this year, statistics show that 51% of participants weren’t able to meet their minimum debt

Raising Money Savvy Kids

As a parent, you recognise that money will play a fundamental role in your kids’ life. Having proper personal financial skills will enable them to navigate through life as financially successful individuals – something everyone wants for their child. Raising money-savvy kids creates a generation that will be attentive savers, spenders, investors, and givers. Kicking

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