By Willem Nel – Registered Debt Counsellor (NCRDC1593)
Better to See for Yourself Than Lose Everything Because "Someone Said So"
South Africans have a wonderful way of helping one another. We ask family, friends, colleagues and neighbours for advice before making important decisions. Unfortunately, when it comes to debt counselling, advice based on rumours, outdated information or hearsay can have devastating consequences.
Every week I meet people who tell me:
- "My friend said debt counselling means the bank takes your house."
- "Someone told me I will never get credit again."
- "I heard debt counselling ruins your life forever."
- "My neighbour said it's better to ignore the creditors."
Sadly, many of these people only come to my office after they have already lost their vehicle, received summonses, had judgments granted against them, or are facing the sale of their home.
By then, many of the options that could have protected them are no longer available.
Don't Take Financial Advice from Someone Who Isn't Qualified
Would you let your neighbour perform surgery because they once watched a medical video?
Would you ask a friend to represent you in court because they have an opinion about the law?
Of course not.
Yet every day, people make life-changing financial decisions based on advice from someone who has never studied the National Credit Act, has never worked with creditors, and has never helped hundreds of families become debt free.
Debt counselling is governed by the National Credit Act and should only be explained by a Registered Debt Counsellor who understands the law and your rights.
The Truth Is Often Very Different
Many of the stories people hear are simply myths.
The truth is that debt counselling was created to help honest South Africans who have fallen behind financially. When started at the right time, it can:
- Protect your assets from unnecessary legal action.
- Reduce monthly debt repayments to an affordable amount.
- Negotiate with credit providers.
- Give you breathing room while remaining within the law.
- Help you work towards becoming debt free.
Every person's financial situation is unique. What is true for one person may not be true for another.
That is why professional advice matters.
Don't Wait Until It's Too Late
One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting.
They continue believing what "someone said" while the arrears grow larger every month.
Interest accumulates.
Legal costs increase.
Summonses are issued.
Vehicles may be repossessed.
Homes can be placed at risk.
The longer you wait, the fewer solutions remain.
Speak to Someone Who Knows the Law
As a Registered Debt Counsellor, my responsibility is not to pressure you into debt counselling.
My responsibility is to explain your options honestly and professionally.
Sometimes debt counselling is the right solution.
Sometimes it isn't.
But you deserve advice based on facts—not rumours.
A consultation could save you thousands of rand and, more importantly, protect the assets you have worked so hard to build.
Final Thought
Before making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life, don't rely on gossip, social media posts, or well-meaning friends.
Speak to a qualified professional.
It costs nothing to ask questions, but believing the wrong person could cost you everything.
Better to see for yourself than lose everything because someone said so.