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Understanding Credit Scores, Reports & Debt Help

  Your credit score can affect everything — from getting a loan to signing a cellphone contract in South Africa. If you're dealing with debt or working to rebuild your finances, you need to review your credit report to spot errors and track your progress, as well as understand what lenders see. At FindBetter, we work to streamline your finances by helping you restructure debt payments, secure a loan, or access a free credit score check in South Africa. Keep reading to explore more about credit scores and the ways they can influence your financial future.   Credit score   A credit score is a summary of your credit activity over the past two to three years. Lenders use it to decide if you qualify for credit and what interest rate to offer. It’s based on your past spending habits and how reliably you’ve paid back the money you borrowed, giving insight into how likely you are to repay future loans.   A credit score between 650 and 669 is considered good in S...

Smart Debt Solutions: Why SA Is Turning to Counselling?

  Paying off debt can feel like an uphill battle — especially when rising interest rates and unexpected expenses always seem to throw your finances off track. If managing multiple payments is becoming overwhelming, you might need a debt solution in SA in the form of counselling. A licensed credit counsellor will help you understand your repayment options and rebuild financial stability.   What is debt counselling?   Debt counselling in South Africa was introduced under the National Credit Act and is regulated by the National Credit Regulator (NCR). It's designed to assist consumers who are struggling to manage their debt. Instead of taking out a new loan, debt counselling helps you combine your existing debts into a single, structured repayment plan.   How the process works   A debt counsellor will first assess your debts and monthly budget to determine what you can realistically afford. Once they have a clear picture of your financial situat...

Debt Review Myths: Can You Get Blacklisted While Under Review?

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  If you’re overwhelmed by debt and facing legal threats from creditors, it might be time to speak with debt review companies in South Africa. Starting the debt review process can protect your income and assets while putting you on a clear and realistic path to becoming debt-free. Debt review (also called debt counselling) is a legal solution for managing over-indebtedness in South Africa. A registered debt counsellor will assess your finances and design a realistic repayment plan tailored to your situation. This process shields you from legal action and ensures that you can pay off your debts without risking your home, car, or other assets. Still, many people hesitate to begin debt review because of common misconceptions—especially the fear of being blacklisted. Let’s clear that up.   Can you get blacklisted while under review?   The short answer: not if you’re under proper guidance. You risk blacklisting only if you already have a poor credit history and con...

Know Your Repossession Rights in South Africa: A Guide

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  Understand your repossession rights in South Africa with this comprehensive guide. Learn the legal steps and protections to safeguard your property.     Nobody wants to face repossession, but sadly, it can become a reality if you are overwhelmed by debt and can no longer keep up with payments. If you’re starting to see warning signs, then you need to understand your repossession rights, as this is your first line of defence. By learning how and why repossession happens, you can proactively seek a debt solution in SA and potentially avoid legal action from your lenders.   Repossession laws in SA: How does it work?   In South Africa, lenders or banks must follow a specific legal process before repossessing your assets. First, they must issue a Section 129 letter of demand or notice once your account is 20 days in arrears. Next, they must serve you with a court summons, delivered by a Sheriff of th...

Why Debt Counselling Is Essential in 2025

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  Explore the importance of debt counselling in 2025. Learn how professional guidance can help you manage debt, reduce stress, and improve financial health. Are you struggling to repay your debts every month? Do you feel a constant, gnawing anxiety about your financial situation? You might need debt counselling in South Africa. This structured intervention is often the most prudent first step you can take to get your finances in order while avoiding repossession and legal action from creditors. Let’s explore how it works and how it might help you in not just becoming debt-free but also rebuilding your credit score.   What is debt counselling?   Debt counselling in South Africa is also called a debt review This is a legal and regulated process that may provide the lifeline necessary to overcome over-indebtedness in South Africa.   Here’s a quick run-down of how debt counselling works:   · ...

From Overwhelmed to Empowered: How Debt Review Helps

  If you're finding yourself constantly juggling bills and struggling to make ends meet while creditors are breathing down your neck, don't despair. Debt review in South Africa - established under the National Credit Act — eases the financial strain of your obligations and offers a way out.   Debt review in South Africa (more formally known as ‘debt counselling’) is a legal route designed to support people who are drowning in financial stress. During this process, a registered debt counsellor will take a close look at your financial situation and come up with a repayment plan that makes sense for you and your creditors.   A real-life example of debt review in South Africa can change your life:   Meet Thato. He was dealing with debts totaling R60,000 across credit cards and a personal loan, and his monthly repayments are eating up more than half his take-home pay. This situation has left him with barely enough to cover basic living expenses - and worse,...

Financial Fitness: Tips for Keeping Your Finances Healthy

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  When your finances aren't in good shape, it can feel like you’re trapped — - you might be constantly worried about the next utility bill and anxious that you will never reach your dreams. But it’s never impossible to change your trajectory. Here’s how to get control back and stay financially fit, according to SA debt counsellors :   Be honest about your current financial situation.   First, you need to know where you stand. List all your income sources, whether it's your salary, investment returns, or other earnings. Take stock of what you own — including savings accounts, investments, property, and other valuable possessions — and note down all your debts, from credit card balances to loans. You can start by simply putting this into a spreadsheet.   You might find that you’re actually doing a lot better than you think or find that your debts have ballooned out of control. Either way, this reality check will give you a clear picture of your financial s...