Debt pressure shifts up the income ladder despite rate relief
DebtBusters data shows repayments still swallow most take-home pay, with pressure shifting upwards to higher earners and credit thinning out for lower-income households.
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NCR signals tougher affordability enforcement as vehicle finance risks mount
Lenders and dealers should dig deeper into living costs, dependants, and insurance obligations to avoid stretching consumers beyond their means.
Struggling with debt? Options before repossession begins
The NFO says consumers can limit costs by acting early through voluntary termination, private sale, or Sell Assist programmes.
School fees vs debt: why early planning matters more than ever
From no-fee schools to R200 000-plus private options, rising education costs are forcing families to budget smarter, plan earlier and rethink how they fund schooling without sinking deeper into debt.
SARB sees path to growth: lower inflation, de-risking, and smarter debt
Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago says permanently lower inflation, fiscal consolidation, and reduced country risk could cut interest rates and create space for sustainable growth.
South Africans need spending discipline to turn financial plans into reality
Fewer people are pausing contributions or dipping into investments, yet many doubt they’ll have enough for a comfortable retirement, according to the Savings & Investment Monitor.
Gambling surges as cash-strapped workers bet to make ends meet
Old Mutual warns that an increasing reliance on betting to pay bills or settle debt is eroding financial well-being.
Surge in unregulated buy-now-pay-later raises affordability concerns
Credit expansion is coming almost entirely from the deeper use of cards and personal loans by current credit-active consumers, rather than fresh market entrants, says RCS.
What you need to know about credit scores
South Africa mainly uses two credit-scoring models, but they’re not identical. Understand how each model evaluates your financial habits, and how to improve your standing in both.
Why the prescribed interest rate can cost you more than you expect
The prescribed interest rate isn’t just a technicality – it determines how much extra you’ll pay (or receive) in a legal dispute, and once it applies to a debt, it stays locked in, even if rates drop later.
Godongwana reassures Ithala’s depositors with R2bn guarantee
The minister’s address to the FSCA conference also touched on regulation, South Africa’s G20 presidency, political tensions over the Budget, and economic growth.
Budget: higher taxes, rising costs, and no relief for households
A phased VAT increase and frozen tax brackets mean South Africans will pay more, while concerns grow over government spending and economic stagnation.
Where consumers spend and where they try to save
A DebtBusters study provides interesting insights into how South Africans in different income bands prioritise their spending outside of debt repayments.
Rand wobbles, markets react – but Budget delay isn’t a crisis (yet)
Financial planners weigh in on the fallout and why investors should stay calm.
How to avoid the post-holiday debt hangover: budgeting tips for a stress-free new year
Instead of treating a year-end bonus as disposable income, incorporate it into your financial planning by focusing on debt repayment, savings, or long-term investments such as further education.
When retirement dreams clash with reality: the case for early benefit counselling
Earlier counselling can help members to make more sustainable financial choices, allowing them to embrace retirement with less stress and greater financial integrity.
Fiscal challenges: insights from the 2024 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement
The Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement reveals a budget surplus and reduced wage bill, but it warns of ongoing financial pressures due to modest economic growth projections.
