What Is Lifestyle Inflation? Lifestyle inflation is spending more as income rises or upping your lifestyle without regard to your

Credit cards offer convenience and financial flexibility when used responsibly. However, if mismanaged, they can lead to a never-ending cycle

Looking for ways to save on your electricity bill in South Africa? This guide offers practical tips to help households

Exercise caution when participating in any upcoming Black November online or in-store ‘shopping bonanzas’ simply because you ‘can’ or ‘want’.

Wellness and health (including mental health) have been critical topical issues and discussion points for quite some time.

The Struggle is Real: South African Consumers’ Biggest Financial Concern Is Not Being Able to SAVE for Anything The 1400+

The concept of money is a fundamental skill that any adult, parent, guardian, family member or teacher can help teach our young ones. It does not only offer a victorious situation for the youth and their future financial decision-making, but it is also a win for South Africa’s economy and prosperity.

DebtSafe’s age-by-age guide contains practical ideas and considerations to help grown-ups with this imperative task.

There are various frugal power savings tricks that you and your household can incorporate this winter to help lower your electricity usage and make your home energy-efficient. Plus, DebtSafe also has some options for you to consider to survive load-shedding these upcoming, chillier months.

DebtSafe highlights seven (7) everyday obstacles that can withhold you from achieving financial freedom, as well as suggestions on how to overcome them.

By Dr. Roelof Botha, Economic Advisor to the Optimum Investment Group Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is causing an extension of

This month, DebtSafe is focusing on raising consumer rights awareness. Every year Consumer Rights Day is observed and celebrated on

Be Open About DEBT & Reach Financial Goals Together “When it comes to taking care of your romantic relationship (involving

Romance Fraud and online love scams are on the rise in South Africa. Protect yourself from fraudsters with these 10 questions.

The festive season is on your doorstep, and perhaps after this ‘dumbstruck year’, it can indeed be your season to

The 2020 year has been misleading, and it feels as if the calendar has skipped a few months. November is

South Africans’ anxiety and stress levels can be worsened by a sudden change in their financial positions or circumstances. As

Long before the COVID-19 disruption started the government (represented via the National Credit Regulator aka NCR) and financial institutions have

What beliefs or outdated mindset do you currently have that stops you from giving yourself (and your dear ones) a

There must be no worse feeling in the world than receiving a “WARNING” that indicates you better pay up, or

In honour of #WomensMonth2020, DebtSafe wants to remind ALL South African women that they – the strong, the courageous –

What a difficult and emotional time it has been these past few months. Not to even mention the FINANCIAL challenges

South Africans have recently shifted from a Level 4 ‘national lockdown stage’ to a level 3. And, although this level-shift

It would be fair to say that recent unexpected events of the COVID-19 pandemic must have been the first severe

COVID-19 has brought unexpected changes for the country, the economy, businesses and the South African consumer. Due to these abnormal

South African mothers are experts in the field of juggling various tasks and taking care of financial commitments or bills

With all the doom and gloom going on, you and other South African consumers (like you the homeowner, you the

The world looks more than a bit topsy-turvy today than it did a few months ago, that’s for sure. How

Soon the Easter weekend will be upon you. Are you ready to make it a memorable, yet affordable one this

Are you already cheering the upcoming school break on or perhaps, looking forward to a well-deserved getaway this coming Easter/Freedom

What’s the deal with consumer rights? Well, it is kind of a big deal when it comes to standing up

Protecting your relationship is as much important as it is difficult these days. Ever thought of debt being the culprit

Your 2020 year is here, and perhaps so far, not very unusual from all the other New Year’s that you

In a flash, December has come and gone. Was all the glitz, glamour and gloss of the 2019 festive season

Your Christmas clock is ticking. Soon you’ll hear the doorbell ring and invite familiar or long-time-no-see friends and family members

Are you a ‘debt damage dodger’ or dreamer? Perhaps one of those people with unrealistic expectations when it comes to

The biggest shopping phenomenon is just around the corner and, you better know  what you’re in for if you are

South Africans know only too well how hectic life can be. Juggling various tasks at work, perhaps trying to hold

Due to the fast pace exploitation of consumers’ shopping experiences and need for instant gratification, it is undeniable how easy

It is evident that groceries are really expensive these days and it is, therefore, fair to help you and other

It is officially National Women’s Month and, therefore, significant that South Africans celebrate the accomplishments women achieve, and the ongoing

July is indeed the month of savings awareness and this year’s #CrazywaystoSave theme is the ideal encourager to get you

Indebtedness can refer to you or someone that owes money (to say, creditors) and it is a concept widely recognised

Debt is not necessarily a bad thing when it comes to your credit score, but the problem comes in when

It has been such a fast-paced 2019 already and perhaps you haven’t taken time to take a deeper peep into

With a national election creeping closer, recent and on-going geopolitical, deal/no-deal waves, ‘walls’ – call it what you will –

In a world full of economic uncertainties, know this: your money does matter so make it work for you. And,

Happy Human Rights Month to each and every South African. Since Human Rights Day and World Consumer Rights Day are

South Africans surely kept Honourable Minister of Finance, Tito Mboweni, under the magnifying glass on 20 February 2019. And, rightfully

Is February your heartfelt reminder of love? Or, is it perhaps a mere indication of the absence thereof? Whatever your

In reality and all sensibleness, you are not able to control the economy, food prices, fuel hikes and various upsurges

The ‘wising-it-would-just-be-here-already’ 2019 is almost on your doorstep. And, are you not excited beyond words that the New Year can

Whether South Africans make extra debt just to get by or whether they take out credit to upkeep various responsibilities

Have you perhaps noticed that Christmas is starting earlier this year – referring to all the buying that it is

The 31st of October is World Savings aka World Thrift Day. This year (2018) the focus of the #WorldSavingsDay2018 initiative

Has this month’s fuel increase kicked in and your pocket is without a doubt feeling the effect of it? Not

In a few months’ time, Christmas will be on your doorstep. And, are you certain that you are financially prepared

It is not only spring that is in bloom currently, but also many couples (you and your better half may

The proof is in the pudding. Many South Africans are forming part of a modern-day debt-filled culture. And, whether they

It is shocking and scary to know that consumers can pave their way to over-indebtedness with just three (3) clicks

A bit of drama in your life cannot hurt. It only makes you stronger, does it not? Well, to be

South African women don’t only tackle their daily schedules hands-on; they are also known as providers, chauffeurs, caretakers and so

Debt is such a familiar topic these days that you may feel: “Ah, same old talks, what on earth can

Proper finance management is one of the most valuable things that you and every other South African can implement in

Do you have any idea what your credit record is reflecting? You might be under the impression that everything is

It is almost July and somewhere along the line, you could not stick to your financial resolutions as pledged. You

To all the twenty- and thirty-somethings, with it being youth month and Father’s Day that is around the corner, what

A mother is not simply just a mother or a juggler, multi-tasker and a ‘can’t-live-without-you’ type of being. Mothers are

Excessive debt is such a burden. Are you sure that you want to carry your debt load throughout your lifetime?

Loans, clothing accounts, expensive furniture buys and credit upon credit. The South African consumer’s debt struggle is heart-wrenching and unfortunately

April is here and it is in all probability your worst financial reality check. You may possibly even call it

Don’t you just love the smell of fresh bread, donuts and other pastries as you pass the grocery store’s entrance?

This month is an important reminder of South Africans’ human rights, and rightfully so. But, if there is one thing

#DebtExit On the news side of things – many citizens anxiously awaited a new open door for South Africa. With

It is the month of love – red roses, chocolate hearts and dinners by candlelight. BUT, are you sure that

The perfect story – boy meets girl, you fall in love and move in together… In some cases your ‘partnership’

The year is coming to a swift end and it is almost time to start afresh with your 2018 financial

Matthys Potgieter, spokesperson and debt expert at DebtSafe, says there are still five things that you can take into account

Are you one of the lucky South African consumers expecting to receive a 13th cheque or tax refund soon? It

There is no doubt about it – times are tough and most citizens are barely (or not even close to)

September is an eventful month as spring is in full swing. Are you already listing the ways you can make

Get rid of your out of season financial habits by trying out these five practices regularly implemented by debt-free consumers:

Many South African consumers are unaware of the true state of their debt, and sooner or later the dire consequences

Current economic times are tough and uncertain. Citizens face regular fuel and food price hikes/drops, negative fiscal predictions, political agendas

After paying tax, covering rent, and paying those unavoidable bills, numerous consumers feel financially miserable. For some, it seems like

Have the August grocery winds caught up with you lately – leaving your finances disheveled and wondering where in the

Are you a young, twenty-something individual, relatively fresh out of high school, college or university kick-starting your career? This new

Who said winter is cold and tedious? It is never too late (or chilly) to apply new financial habits to

Who said you can only set goals every New Year? Not to mention financial goals. No, goals should be a

As many consumers may have noticed, July is National Savings Month. It is, therefore, the best time to start afresh

A personal financial disaster can happen when you least expect it. Although you may feel that the bank, creditors and

RECESSION First South Africans received the shocking blow of being downgraded to junk status, then the fuel price increase was

July is National Savings Month and there is no better time for us South Africans to get proactive with our

Face it, spending a few minutes doing fiscal planning, budgeting and continually improving your finances, cannot be seen as a

Anyone’s financial situation can change overnight. It is nothing out of the ordinary for unforeseen crises (like retrenchment, divorce, life-threatening

Don’t fool yourself; a personal credit card equals DEBT. When you use a credit card, it feels so easy and

Having your own garden, garage, braai area and a place to call home gives you peace of mind, doesn’t it?

Modern and desperate times call for modern and desperate measures. As it is the twenty-first century, people should make lifestyle

Easter weekend is upon South Africans. For some, it is a deep and spiritual time, and for others, a time

There is no doubt about it – times are tough, especially after the devastating news about South Africa’s sovereign credit

Many saw it coming and some even tried to ignore it, but unfortunately, South Africa’s biggest fear has come true

Weddings are ridiculously expensive. And can cost between R100 000 and R200 000 nowadays. Couples get overly excited when they find the

An important part of South Africa’s economic growth is consumers’ trust in their preferred product or service providers. They have

Our Minister of Finance’s budget speech is not only going to be under the magnifying glass by rating agencies this

It is that time of year – red roses, chocolate hearts, and dinners by candlelight. Ah, the month of February

Life is always throwing curve balls and from time to time you will have to deal with unexpected additional bills.

Now that 2017 is in full swing a lot of people are still working hard on making a success of

It is the ideal time to clear your mind and to start thinking about clever ways to do a few

The big December summer break is here, and plans are being made for holidays, family get-togethers, gifts, and fun activities.

Christmas day is almost here and while many families are going to financial extremes for this special time of year,

South Africa’s economic news is understandably making everyone nervous. From recent fraud charges that were laid and withdrawn against our

Car repossession has a major impact on your life. Everything becomes more difficult – getting to work, getting the kids

When was the last time you could look back at the past month and think “wow, I really saved a

South Africans are panicking and holding their breaths while international markets decide our country’s fate. We have recently been thrown

After a few weeks of exciting talks and reviewing Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan’s Budget Speech, people are starting to have

South Africans are facing radical increases in especially daily living costs and housing in a time of increasing unemployment and

National Treasury this week announced changes to tax treatments of retirement fund contributions in provident, pension and retirement annuity funds,

The holiday season is just around the corner and people are holding their breaths… 2015 has been a year filled

Most people never or rarely look at their bank statements or credit card statements. And when they do they’ll often

For the past few weeks’ South African universities were under siege by students protesting increasing tertiary fees and student debt

In an effort to stop reckless credit granting, the National Credit Amendment Act (NCAA) has proposed affordability assessment requirements. Consumers

People’s cash-flow is getting stretched more and more each month. But if you’re finding yourself relying heavily on your credit

Stats SA announced that the unemployment rate in South Africa has declined by 1.4% to 25% between the first and

When the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) governor Lesetja Kganyago last week announced a repo rate hike of 25 basis

Are you aware of the various options you have when it comes to getting out of debt? There are four

The “silly season” is almost upon us and although this period is supposed to be joyous, many people stress about

South Africa is celebrating National Savings Month this July. But this is also the time of year a lot of

In an article published on a well-known online publication this week, statistics from a survey done by the World Bank

As a parent, you recognise that money will play a fundamental role in your kids’ life. Having proper personal financial

A recent survey by Student Village revealed that South Africa’s students may be driving themselves into debt while at university.

Keeping warm during the icy months from April till July can become expensive. We’ve grown accustomed to relying on appliances

Receiving a portion or all of your inheritance, whether as a reward or due to the passing of a family

A little under a decade ago, acquiring cash or purchasing goods or services was a lot more difficult than it

The recent amendments in the National Credit Act (NCA) will make it more difficult for consumers to turn to unsecured

The latest amendments to the National Credit Act, gazetted on Friday 13 March, carry far-reaching implications for both consumers and

The rate of divorce continues to increase in South Africa, as seen by the massive increase of 28% in divorces

46% of people who completed our survey stated that they do not have a financial plan or budget for 2015.

Stokvels – which date as far back as the 1800’s – are by no means a new concept in the

It seems that all indications of an epic 2014 summer vacation has come to an abrupt end. With 2014 now