
The more you earn, the more you borrow? Top earners carry biggest debt burden
DebtBusters’ Q2 Debt Index shows that consumers earning over R50 000 a month need more than their monthly income to service debt.

DebtBusters’ Q2 Debt Index shows that consumers earning over R50 000 a month need more than their monthly income to service debt.

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.

Despite easing inflation and lower borrowing costs, South Africans entering debt counselling use 71% of take-home pay to service debt, according to DebtBusters.

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.

The bank’s Financial Stability Review also flags the growing financial distress among households and SMMEs and the vulnerabilities in the commercial real estate sector.