Debtfree DIGI October 2015

jobsearching.co.za to learn about how to make your CV stand out, how to go after the jobs you
want and how to use your network of friends to find or create work.
Throw your pride out the window and do any work that comes your way to get in additional
income. Having work even once a week or one hour a day will lead to further opportunities. It
will also reduce your desperation and help you avoid falling into a deep pit of debt.
Create a printed mini CV ( name, qualification and contact details) and give it to all your friends,
family and former workmates and contacts. Give them each a copy or two. Rather than have just
yourself look for work get everyone you know to help you.
If you are under debt review, you should immediately contact your Debt Counsellor at once and
schedule a sit down meeting to discuss all your options. These might include asking creditors
for a payment holiday, claiming from retrenchment cover (which people under debt review can
get from companies like ONE insurance), going back to court to ask to suspend or reduce debt
repayments temporarily etc. Your Debt Counsellor can also look at your current situation and
discuss drastic changes to your monthly budget.
If you are not under debt review, consider going to talk to a professional Debt Counsellor for
advice on how to make ends meet during a retrenchment. Talk to them about your realistic
future prospects and to see if you might need to enter debt review until the situation improves.
Many families with only one (or a greatly reduced) monthly income have temporarily used the
debt review process to get through tough times. Do this soon after getting your notice. Sooner
is better.
These days, with the tough economic environment, many people find they are out of work for
a prolonged time period. Don’t fool yourself and try to just go on with life as normal should you
lose your job. Take drastic action to reduce your spending, find other sources of income and talk
to your creditors rather than hide from them. Get professional help straight away. Be careful of
unregistered people offering mediation services and asking for money up front to deal with your
creditors. These are normally scams and will see you lose all the money you give them. Rather
do it yourself or use a NCR registered professional Debt Counsellor, who’s office is in your area.