Debt review has been gaining momentum as more and more consumers are falling into the over-indebtedness trap. South Africa has an estimated 8million indebted consumers and almost 150,000 of them have applied for the review process.
Debt review enables a consumer to take advantage of a debt re-payment plan which he could pay with a single monthly installment in the amount established as affordable to him. The whole process will be negotiated by a debt counselor in behalf of the consumer. Furthermore, this review process protects the indebted consumer against legal proceedings, repossession, and salary garnishment.
Albeit, the benefits that debt review has to offer indebted consumers, there are a number of obstacles to its proper implementation:
- There is a shortage of competent debt counselors who are equipped with the needed back office staff.
- There are legal insecurities as only a few have been through the legal process.
- Long pay off period. It is longer than the period of the original debt because of the lessened monthly payments.
- You pay more interest. Although the debt counselor will negotiate for a lower interest rate, longer payment periods mean more interest.
- Debt counseling costs 100% of the monthly repayment amount as stipulated in the approved debt repayment plan, not to exceed R3 420. Debt counselors get paid 7.5% of the monthly installment not to exceed R342.
- It is a common misconception that this process is an easy way out of over-indebtedness. Not true, because you have to prove that you are capable of altering your lifestyle and spending habits.
- While the review is ongoing, you are not qualified for any new credit.
Given these obstacles, it is advisable to initially negotiate with credit providers at the fist signs of difficulty in making the monthly debt repayments. Should you not be successful, then it is time to talk to a debt counselor to discuss if debt review is your best option in solving your over-indebtedness. Whatever option you choose, the end result should be, the end to your indebtedness problem so you can once again be in control of your finances and have a stress free life,