Sherpa Debt Counselling

28/05/2026

28/05/2026

DO NOT BE SCAMMED OR MISLED BY "DEBT REVIEW" OR "PAYMENT REDUCTION" SCAMS.

With millions of consumers under financial pressure, scammers and unethical companies are increasingly targeting people looking for debt relief.

What do consumers need to know:

• The NCR will never give companies your personal information
• Debt review is a voluntary legal process and you must apply by completing and signing a debt review application form (Form 16)
• DC Fees are regulated. Why would you choose a faceless stranger when you can work with an experienced, transparent debt counsellor in person, at the same cost.

A large number of complaints involve consumers being placed under debt review without their knowledge or consent.

🚩 RED FLAGS TO WATCH FOR:

❌ You receive an unsolicited cold call offering lower instalments and interest
❌ They claim to “work with” the NCR, government or the banks
❌ They already know your debt balances or personal financial details
❌ They pressure you to decide immediately and to sign forms or documents.
❌ They promise a fixed repayment reduction before any assessment
❌ They advertise “debt elimination” or “wiping your debt”
❌They are vague when questioned if the offering is consolidation or debt review and use words like debt 'reconsolidation'
❌ They ask for money upfront or direct payments to personal/company accounts
❌ They avoid giving a NCR registration number

✅ HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF:

✔️ Obtain the Debt Counsellor’s NCR registration number and verify on the NCR website
✔️ Be cautious of Facebook and social media “debt relief” adverts that sound too good to be true
✔️ Regularly check your credit profile for unauthorised activity
✔️ The golden rule: NEVER sign any documents or forms without reading the entire document and fully understanding the content. Ask the necessary questions before signing and take time if you need to do further research or consider your options.

If you did not apply for debt review or suspect fraud, contact the NCR.

Let’s keep unethical operators from bringing the industry into disrepute.

If you have any questions about debt review, drop it in the comments.

18/05/2026

Many people confuse debt consolidation with debt review.

Here is the difference:

Debt Consolidation
• Combine debts into one NEW loan with one Credit Provider
• Interest rate may be higher than on some separate accounts and extended term
• Usually requires a good credit score and you must be able to afford new instalment

Debt Review
• Payment is collected in one instalment and distributed to each of your Credit Providers
• Debt Counsellor negotiates reduced instalments and reduced interest rates with Creditors
• A legal process under the National Credit Act. You are protected against legal action.

Understanding your options is the first step toward financial stability. If you require assistance to decide what is the best option for you, contact us at Sherpa

29/04/2026

From Overwhelmed to In Control.

Meet one of our clients, a retired schoolteacher who found herself under financial pressure after years of trying to keep up with rising costs.

Her Situation:
Total Debt: R188,174.58
Total Monthly Repayments: R9,918.41
Interest Rate (Personal Loan): 27.50%

Despite her best efforts…
❌ The repayments were no longer affordable
❌ The interest kept her stuck in a cycle

How We Helped:
Through structured debt counselling and negotiation, we:
✔ Restructured her repayment plan
✔ Negotiated reduced interest rates with credit providers
✔ Created a sustainable monthly budget

The Outcome:
New Total Monthly Repayment: R4,849.53
(Including all fees & credit life insurance)
📉 Interest Rate Reduced to: 4.60%

💡 What This Means:
✔ Affordable monthly repayments
✔ Protection of her assets
✔ A clear, structured path to becoming debt-free

❤️ The Bigger Picture. This is not just about numbers.
It’s about:
✔ Peace of mind
✔ Dignity in retirement
✔ Taking back control

🧗‍♀️ Your Journey Matters Too
If your debt feels overwhelming, you are not alone and there is a way forward.

📩 Send us a message for confidential guidance.
No judgment. Just a plan.

02/04/2026

Can you exit Debt Review?

Debt Review is designed to protect you and guide you out of debt, not trap you.
But many people feel confused about when and how they can exit.

Let’s break it down simply:

1. You can exit when all your debt is paid off (excluding your bond)

Once all your debt is settled:

✔ Your Debt Counsellor on record issues a Clearance Certificate
✔ Credit bureaus remove the Debt Review flag
✔ You can access credit again
There is no additional cost, this is already included in your aftercare fees.

Importantly: There is no negative history that reflects that you have been under Debt Review.

2. Your situation improves AFTER your debt counsellor declares you over indebted but BEFORE a debt review court order has been obtained by your debt counsellor

If your financial situation changes early in the process and you are no longer over-indebted:

✔ You can apply to court to be declared no longer over-indebted
✔ Once approved, at the court's discretion, the Debt Review flag is removed

⚠️ This requires a formal court application by an attorney
💰 This option involves substantial added legal costs

Once a court has officially declared you overindebted and a debt review court order is granted, you CANNOT exit Debt Review before ALL your debt is paid off (excluding Bond).

This is where many people get misled. Beware of Debt Review Removal Scams.

These are scams that:

❌ Leave you exposed to legal action
❌ Damage your financial recovery
❌ Cost you thousands unnecessarily

Always ensure that you ONLY deal with:

1. a qualified Debt Counsellor, registered at the National Credit Regulator https://www.ncr.org.za/register_of_registrants/registered_dc.php
and/or
2. An attorney enrolled at the Legal Practise Counsel
https://lpc.org.za/members-of-the-public/list-of-legal-practitioners/

Debt Review is not a trap, it’s a structured path to financial freedom.

The goal is not to exit early.
The goal is to exit strong, stable and debt-free.

If you’re unsure about your situation or feel stuck:

📩 Contact us for confidential guidance

No judgment. Just clear, honest advice.

26/03/2026

Your DTI is an important Financial Health Indicator.

How did you measure:

🟢 0% – 30%
Healthy
You are managing debt well

🟡 31% – 40%
Caution
Debt is starting to take pressure

🔴 41% – 50%
High Risk
You may struggle if anything changes

⚫ 50%+
Critical
Debt is likely unsustainable

In South Africa a typical household has a DTI of around 62%.

Although DTI is a good indicator of your financial health, it does not consider your living expenses.

That is why someone can have:
✔ “acceptable” DTI
❌ But still be financially stressed

👉 This is where your Debt Stress Score becomes powerful. Download our Budget Clarity Checklist to see how you measure. https://sherpadebtcounselling.lovable.app/basecamp

19/03/2026

Check out the 7 Warning Signs that Debt is becoming a Serious Problem.

For more insight into your debt situation, download our Free Budget Clarity Checklist. The link is in the comments.

16/03/2026

When last have you reviewed and compared your banking charges?

The Solidarity Research Institute's latest banking charges report for 2026 reveals which accounts are most affordable for entry, mid, and top-level customers.

16/03/2026

Many South Africans earning R30 000 – R50 000 per month still feel like they are constantly struggling.

It’s not always about income.

Often it’s because of:

• Too many credit accounts
• High interest rates
• Minimum payments keeping debt alive
• Not strategically paying off debt with a clear plan
• Easy access to unsecured debt
• Lifestyle inflation

When debt quietly grows in the background, your salary starts working for the banks instead of you.

Financial freedom does not start with earning more. It starts with taking control of your debt strategy.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone — and there is a way forward.

Follow Sherpa Financial Wellness for practical guidance on your journey to financial freedom.

Contact us for a Free Budget and Debt Assessment and lets discuss your debt strategy.

09/03/2026

Are you slowly sinking into the debt trap?

It starts small, a few skipped payments, a payday loan, a feeling you will catch up next month.

Before long, debt becomes a mountain.

Learn the early warning signs and how to stop the slide.

WhatsApp or DM the word 'Checklist' and we will send you a copy of our Budget Clarity Checklist or contact us to discuss how Sherpa can help you gain financial clarity.