NCR Tips for borrowing wisely

The NCR has offered the following general tips for borrowing money:

Borrow as little money as possible.

Borrowing to fund your children’s education or a home loan can be a good thing, but borrowing for consumables such as to pay off other debt or to fund luxuries such as holidays or designer clothing can condemn you to a lifetime of debt. Only borrow for what you really need. Plan the repayments before you apply for a credit card, clothing card, overdraft, personal loan or any form of credit. Also take into consideration the interest and other charges as well as how this will affect your ability to save. Avoid paying over too many months as it will cost you more in the end.

Credit insurance. If there is, familiarise yourself with the terms of the insurance to avoid surprises when you most need the insurance.

Bezhonest.

Make sure that you honestly disclose all the information required by the credit provider. Dishonesty may cause you to lose the protection offered by the National Credit Act.

Create a monthly budget and stick to it.

Work out how much income your family earns and what your total expenses are each month. Will you be able to pay for your new debt once you’ve covered all your expenses? You should also plan for unexpected costs such as if one of your family members is retrenched. Always keep receipts of your payments, as you might need these in the future.

Start saving consistently.

Put aside at least 15% of your income every month in a safe investment. Save for your retirement as well.

Pay your debts on time.

Paying late will adversely affect your credit rating and possibly your ability to take out credit in the future. If you think you cannot meet your monthly instalments, call your credit provider immediately and try to re-arrange payments. Do not wait until you skip payments.

Prioritise your home loan.

You don’t want to lose your home.

Check your credit report regularly.

This way you’ll be able to identify any errors and correct them. Under the NCA a credit bureau must provide you with one free copy of your credit report each year from each of the eleven registered credit bureaus. Additional copies cost R20 excluding VAT each.

If you’re looking to borrow money wisely, Zero Debt is here to help you navigate your financial journey. Our team of expert consultants is ready to provide personalized advice and solutions tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re planning to fund your child’s education, buy a home, or manage existing debts, we offer the guidance you need to make informed decisions. Don’t let financial uncertainty hold you back. Contact us today to discuss your options and take the first step towards a secure and debt-free future. Visit our Contact Us page or call us at 087 701 9665 to get started.