Quick answer: Black tax is the real financial support many South Africans give extended family. It is not the problem; giving more than you can afford is. The way to help sustainably is to cover…
Quick answer: Winter bills spike mainly because of the geyser, heating and higher food costs. A good winter budget plans for those extras before the month starts, then attacks the biggest electricity user, the geyser,…
Quick answer: A tax refund is money SARS returns because you paid more tax than you owed, so treat it as your own money coming back, not a windfall. The smartest use for most South…
Quick answer: A default is an adverse listing a credit bureau records when you fall behind. You can remove a default in two situations: if it is wrong, you dispute it free and the bureau…
Quick answer: The Credit Ombud is a free, independent service that resolves disputes between consumers and the credit industry, wrong listings on your credit report, unfair treatment by a lender, and complaints a provider will…
Quick answer: Prescribed debt is old debt that has become legally unenforceable. In South Africa most ordinary debts prescribe after three years with no payment, no acknowledgement, and no legal action by the creditor. Since…
Quick answer: After retrenchment, do not panic-borrow to replace your salary. First take stock: claim UIF, understand your retrenchment package, and list your essential costs and debts. Cut non-essentials fast, talk to lenders before you…
Quick answer: A pre-agreement quote is a one-page document that a registered lender must give you, free, before you sign a loan. It sets out the exact amount, interest rate, every fee, your instalment, and…
Quick answer: A Section 129 notice is a letter a credit provider must send under the National Credit Act before taking legal action on a defaulted loan or account. It warns you that you are…