Debtfree DIGI Jan 2016

EDITOR’S NOTE
For those who got to have a break at the end of
the year, going back to work, school and reality
in Jan can be somewhat down heartening. All
that fun is soon forgotten, especially when
the bills arrive or the collections people start
to call. However January is also a time to look
ahead and if necessary make plans for change.
It is a natural psychological fresh start. This is
why so many of us plan to lose weight, make
more money, start that business, exercise more
and get rid of debt. And the holidays followed
by back to school stuff can sure run up those
debts super fast. It is no wonder then that the
industry has experienced a higher than normal
amount of applications for debt review so far
this month. One large firm who takes on lots of
clients even reported having twice the normal
number of applications this month.
Let’s be honest, with all the negative economic
factors and increases in prices (and a weakening
Rand, interest rates going up etc) it is going to
be a very tough year. Those who managed to
scrape by in years past are probably going to
have to make some big changes this year if
they want to even have a chance of being able
to afford a roof over their head and food on the
table.
complain (and who to complain to). We also
look at new online resources which consumers
can use to learn more about dealing with debt
and the debt review process.
Recently the Nedbank Debt Review Centre
had a change in leadership and we discuss
this fresh start as we interview Denise Hartley
about her new role. We also consider how
you can build a good team spirit at your firm.
Daring to go where angles fear to tread, we
address the industry ‘elephant in the room’ as
we look at the looming situation developing
with regard to Payment Distribution Agencies
and application of certain requirements of
the NCA & Regulations. That and other news,
advice and stories.
Nothing makes a better fresh start than getting
to grips with your financial situation when it
has been out of control. If you have not already
done so then maybe now is the time to talk to a
Debt Counsellor and take the first steps toward
becoming debt free.
Getting financial help through debt review
means learning to trust a new person (your Debt
Counsellor). In this month’s issue we discuss
who and when to trust and when it is time to