| Many South Africans are struggling with debt. With the rising costs of
					  living expenses many individuals have looked for some relief through having
					  a loan. It is, however when one cannot repay an individual loan or a number
					  of loans that serious problems may arise. The first active step to becoming
					    debt free involves realising that there is a problem
					  and asking for help. This can be done by contacting a number
					  of highly trained and qualified
					    debt counsellors in the country. Debt counselling involves
					  being completely honest about your debt and the number
					  of loans you have. Only when provided
					    with all the information will a debt counsellor be able
					  to assist you properly. Debt counsellors can assist you
					    to become debt free in the
					      following ways: Creating a monthly budget with the help
					    of your counsellor Drawing up a monthly budget will be
					    one of the first things your debt counsellor
					          will assist you with. The budget will allow you
					  to repay your debt and give you enough left over to pay
					    things that need to be paid such as groceries,
					          rent, travelling fees and so forth. Naturally you
					    may have to cut back on some luxuries, but if you are
					  committed to becoming debt free this
					          is a small price to pay. Debt Counsellors act
					    as a mediator between you and your creditors Your debt
					    counsellor will contact and speak to your creditors on
					  your behalf. Debt counsellors are also able to negotiate
					  better interest rates on your loans and may also have
					  the payment terms adjusted to suit a new repayment
					              schedule. Debt counsellors are also able to
					  provide protection against creditors that are threatening
					    legal action against you. Long Term Counselling Debt counselling is a lengthy process as it may
					    take a number of years for one to become debt free. If
					  one does not address the cause
					                of the debt in
					                  the first place, one may become more susceptible
					            to be in debt again. Expect an on-going relationship
					          with your debt counsellor and remember,
					                  they are there to help you!  You may also be interested in: |