Diverse Debt Counsellors

27/05/2025

When Does a consumer know trouble is coming? this is important for people to understand as many times people wait far to long before taking any sort of action. So today Im listing a few tell tale signs of knowing you heading for Financial Trouble.
* You are using credit cards to buy food
* You are paying one credit Facility with another one
* You cannot survive without using credit
* Your Debt Repayments are increasing monthly
* You miss some payments to certain credit providers to get by this
month
*Your Balances on your credit facilities never seem to go down
because you keep on utilizing the available credit

If you can relate to any of the above it is time to chat to a professional who can advise you what your options are.. no Obligations, just facts. Ultimately you have to make the choice if you want help, need help or have no other options but seek help.

26/05/2025

Why Does Debt Review Not Work for Everyone?
This is an important question to unpack and understand. In my dealings with many clients over the years that come seeking help, many of them whom have been under debt review with other debt counsellors, I have found many common problems which I will go through below.
1) The consumer does not really understand what Debt Counselling is and how it works. They also do not understand the benefit they are receiving in many instances of far lower interest rates.
2) The consumer thinks that it is ok to miss payments
3) The Debt Counsellors do not make adequate provision for their living expenditure and therefore the amount they are supposed to pay is actually unaffordable and therefore the consumer is not able to maintain the payments expected of them.
4) Debt Counselling is sold to the consumer instead of them actually needing it, in other words a consumer who is currently up to date and paying their accounts is told they can pay substantially less in order to "free up" more money. I see this all the time, the consumer now pays less towards his accounts not fully understanding the implications of his decision, he then tries to do something eg. get a new cellphone contract and is told they cannot assist as the consumer is under Debt Review. The consumer was never advised of this but is now stuck under Debt Review.
5) Lack of proper communication with your Debt Counsellor. This causes many issues as a consumer might receive a message from a credit provider saying they did not receive payment. The consumer panics and thinks his money is being stolen and stops his payments to the PDA for his Debt counselling. If a consumer is getting a statement monthly, which they should be, then they would know the account in question has been paid and communicate the issue to the Debt Counsellor who will send the Proof of payment to the credit provider. It is important that you can speak to your Debt counsellor about any issue you are experiencing and that feedback is provided in order to ensure the matter has been resolved.
The Trick for Debt Counselling to work, is to Understand the solution that you are utilizing, be in a position to chat to your Debt counsellor and get help, maintain payments correctly and work together to get you Debt Free which is the aim and objective of going under Debt Review...

21/05/2025

When last did you look at your Credit Score? And do you even have a monthly Budget or plan that makes provision for emergencies? And how much of your income do you save Monthly? These are all important questions that will determine what your financial future looks like. If you fail to plan, You Plan to Fail...
Reach out for assistance with any of the above and we gladly guide you accordingly

09/05/2025

The Next Big Problem Coming!!
In my work, I am seeing more and more large arrears on municipal rates, water and electricity accounts. I believe this problem is only going to get worse, with the consistent increases being forced down consumers throats.. Millions of households are just managing to hold on to the little they have in the hopes of being able to provide a stable environment for their families and to put food on the table. With these increases where will the average household find the money in order to keep the lights on? Where does someone just getting by, now find another R1000 per month, because as you know this is not the only expense that is going up. The answer to this is, the average person will start to use credit to pay for basic services. This is a very dangerous place to be as your services will now in effect cost you roughly 22% more if paid by credit card as you will be paying interest on the money used. This is just going to amplify consumers "hard times" as their monthly need is increased due to increased debt installments now needed to pay for these credit facilities. Surely this should be a severe Red Flag to any Government that something needs to be changed? However this is not the case. Millions of people are left to fend for themselves and find a way to make it happen...

09/05/2025

Daily, I see so many Adverts promising Debt Freedom in 12 and 24 months, like there is a quick fix to getting out of Debt and that somehow someone has a magic wand that will just evaporate all the Debt you have....I'm Sorry to say that just as it took most people many years to accumulate their Debt, it will take you many years to get out of your Debt!! Don't get fooled into entering a process that you do not understand, by people who are clearly preying on your ignorance. There are so many misleading adverts around that I truly feel sorry for consumers that are really looking for Proper solutions. People promising to consolidate your Debt, but it is actually Debt Review. People offering to clear your Debt in 24 months but are Sequestrating you (which is the most severe form of debt intervention that will leave you unable to get credit for many years). Then there are the ones that promise you extremely low installments and when the wheels fall off in a couple months time, they have been paid and give you all sorts of excuses and stories. One of the Hardest parts of my Job is delivering difficult and hard to handle Facts even though they are not easy to give, it is important for a consumer to understand what needs to happen to get them out of their predicament and what is just not possible. Telling a consumer they should sell their home when they just do not have the funds to pay an amount that would save it is never easy. However promising them that they can pay a low amount and then they lose the House anyway is way worse. Make sure you pick a service provider that you can meet and discuss your matter with personally. Using a call centre where you are not ever even speaking to the correctly trained person, or able to speak to the same person twice makes no sense when dealing with your financial future. There are no one size fits all solutions when dealing with someone's finances as everyone's situation is unique. Educate yourselves, Understand what is happening and make informed decisions. Ultimately you will pay the price if you don't..

20/02/2025

with Electricity and water set to increase and the possibility of Vat and other tax increases the average person just surviving will be pushed over the cliff...Take action before you max out all your credit trying to survive..

19/02/2025

Are your monthly installments pulling you down! No money left to survive and no money to buy food for your family! You are one of the millions of South Africans that find yourself in this position. Don't continue to suffer and hope that the problem will just disappear. Reach out for Professional Guidance today.. You will deal with the actual Debt counsellor with more than 16 years experience not just a call center agent.. send us a whats App on 0737487763.

08/04/2024

As the cost of living continues to Increase it is important to buckle down on the unnecessary expenses. Also try and limit the use of credit as interest rates are high meaning the cost of using the banks money is expensive and costing you allot. There are many hidden costs that people do not take into account, for example credit life cover which is mandatory on the taking of some loans. You could be paying hundreds of rand's towards a policy you do not even know you have, which means you do not even know what you covered for or not. Read your statements carefully... Any extra money should be going towards debt repayment when interest rates are high so that more is going towards the reduction of capital and the reduction of future interest...whats app us on 0737487763 or call us on 031 462 4308

02/03/2024

https://businesstech.co.za/news/banking/756083/fnb-sounds-the-alarm-for-consumers-in-south-africa/

FirstRand says its credit loss ratio is better than expected – but this is not the case for FNB, which saw credit impairments shoot up.

12/02/2024

Reach out for Help.. Don't continue to suffer in silence....

06/12/2023

Surviving Financial Challenges During the Holiday Season

The holiday season, with its cheer and festivities, often comes hand in hand with financial stress for many. While it's a time of celebration, the strain on budgets can lead to anxiety and difficulty. Here are strategies to navigate financial challenges during Christmas:

1. Assess Your Financial Situation:
The first step in managing financial trouble is understanding your current situation. Take stock of your income, expenses, debts, and any additional holiday-related costs.

2. Set Realistic Expectations:
Recognize that it's okay to scale back on expenses during the holidays. Set realistic expectations for gifts, celebrations, and activities based on what you can afford without straining your finances.

3. Create a Budget:
Develop a detailed budget specifically for the holiday season. Allocate funds for gifts, decorations, meals, and entertainment. Stick to this budget to avoid overspending.

4. Prioritize and Plan Spending:
Identify priorities for spending. Allocate more to essential expenses like bills and necessities while cutting back on non-essential purchases. Plan gift-giving thoughtfully, considering meaningful yet budget-friendly options.

5. Avoid Impulse Buying:
Resist the temptation of last-minute or impulse purchases. Plan your shopping in advance and look for discounts, coupons, or sales to save money on gifts and essentials.

6. Explore Low-Cost Celebrations:
Instead of expensive outings or events, consider low-cost or free activities for celebrating. Host a potluck dinner, organize a gift exchange, or enjoy outdoor activities that don't involve excessive spending.

7. DIY and Handmade Gifts:
Get creative and consider DIY or handmade gifts. Personalized gifts often hold more sentimental value and can be more affordable than store-bought items.

8. Seek Support and Alternatives:
If facing financial hardship, don't hesitate to seek support from family or friends. Discuss alternatives for celebrating, such as a Secret Santa arrangement to reduce the financial burden for everyone involved.

9. Avoid Debt Accumulation:
Refrain from relying on credit cards or loans to fund holiday expenses. Accumulating debt during the festive season can lead to financial strain in the new year.

10. Focus on Meaningful Traditions:
Remind yourself and your loved ones that the true essence of the holidays lies in togetherness and shared experiences, not in extravagant spending.

Navigating financial challenges during the Christmas period requires planning, discipline, and realistic expectations. By focusing on what truly matters and being mindful of your spending, you can enjoy the festive season without adding undue stress to your finances. Remember, the holiday spirit is not about material possessions but about the joy of being together and creating lasting memories.

Your In Financial Freedom -Trevor Armfield

30/10/2023

Another month end another stressful time for many South Africans. Don't suffer in silence. See what options you have available and make informed and educated decisions. DEBT REVIEW is not for everyone. But I can tell you it has changed many lives for the better and relieved allot of un needed pressure of mant families. Don't wait for things to get better.. Make them better and take control. For a free consult what's app or call 0737487763 today...