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Trusted debt counselling with Kevin Russell, NCRDC384 helping South Africans achieve financial freedom since 2008.

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    what our clients had to say

    • Baie dankie vir wat julle gedoen het. Dat ons nagte rustig en sorgloos was en dat ons lekker kan slaap. Ons hoop dat julle nog lank sal groei en ander mense kan help soos julle ons gehelp het.
      I have to thank you for your on going support through out our financial challenges. Your advice and professionalism has been outstanding.  Being able to cope and enjoy life again is so much more gratifying and rewarding.
      When I approached Kevin it was with fear and shame.
      Fear, as I had no idea whether my financial situation would change for the worse. Shame, for having allowed my financial situation to get out of hand. Through Kevin’s company – Living Debt Free – I received much needed relief.
    • Exceptional Service and Professionalism,
      I had an outstanding experience with Living Debt free. From start to finish, their team demonstrated professionalism, efficiency, and a genuine commitment to assist their clients with excellent service…
      After many years of successful business, I hit a very low road due to high interest rates and non paying clients and was about to lose everything that I had worked so hard for.After a very long and at times painful and a very emotional journey, we are now debt free and have discarded the "Debt Review" label. Thank you Kevin.
      Kevin and Marlene from Living Debt Free are friendly, yet professional and extremely helpful when it comes to one's finances. They're the best! Living Debt Free definitely helped me to live debt free!

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    how debt review works in 5 easy steps

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    debt free
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    book time with us, so we may assist you on living a debt free life

    frequently asked questions (FAQ)

    What is debt review?

    Debt review is a legal process under the National Credit Act (NCA) designed to help overindebted South Africans restructure their debts into one affordable monthly repayment. It protects you from legal action by credit providers and gives you a clear path to becoming debt free.

    Who qualifies for debt review?

    Any person who's monthly expenses exceed their income. Any consumer with a regular source of income who cannot meet their current debt obligations may qualify. A registered debt counsellor will assess your financial situation to confirm whether you are over-indebted. 

    What happens once I apply for debt review?

    Your debt counsellor notifies all your credit providers and the credit bureaus using a
    Form 17.1, which officially records your application.
    • After a full financial assessment, the counsellor issues a Form 17.2, confirming whether
    you are over-indebted and need a restructured repayment plan.
    • Legal protection begins immediately, preventing credit providers from taking legal action on your accounts.
    • A reduced monthly repayment plan is negotiated and made legally binding through a
    court or tribunal order.

    Will I still have access to credit while under debt review?

    No. While under debt review, you cannot take on new credit or use current credit facilities. This ensures your focus remains on repaying existing debts and regaining financial stability.

    How will my payments be made?

    The PDA sends you a monthly confirmation that they have received your deposit and that your creditors have been paid as per the accepted proposal.

    How does debt review affect my credit record?

    While under debt review, your credit profile is flagged at the credit bureaus. This prevents you from taking on additional credit but also protects you from further collection actions.
    Once you complete the process, your debt counsellor issues a Form 19 clearance certificate, and the debt review listing is removed from your record.

    Can I leave debt review before completing it?

    No. You may not withdraw once the process is underway, unless all debts are settled in full or a court declares you no longer over-indebted. This rule protects both you and your creditors.

    How long does the process take?

    The duration depends on your debt amount and how much you can afford to pay monthly. Most clients complete debt review within 36 to 60 months.

    What are the costs of debt review?

    All debt counsellor and PDA fees are regulated by the National Credit Regulator (NCR) and included in your repayment plan. You do not need to pay additional fees outside your affordable monthly installment.

    What happens when I finish debt review?

    Once all debts are settled, or your mortgage is the only remaining debt, your debt counsellor issues a Form 19 clearance certificate to the credit bureaus. This removes the debt review flag, allowing you to access credit responsibly again.

    What is a Section 129 notice, and what does it mean for me?

    • A Section 129 notice comes from a credit provider when you are behind on repayments.
    It is a formal warning before legal action, as required by the National Credit Act (NCA).
    • The notice explains the default, your rights, and asks you to make arrangements to settle the debt.
    • Once you apply for debt review, your debt counsellor informs all credit providers that
    you are under protection. No further legal action can be taken while the debt review
    process is underway.
    • Section 129 letters do not prevent you from entering debt review, but you should send
    them to your debt counsellor immediately so they can handle them and ensure your
    accounts are correctly administered

    I am married in community of property, (COP) must my spouse participate in the debt review process?

    Yes, you must apply together. (a joint application)

    Can I still rent a property while under debt review?

    Yes. The rental agent will conduct a credit check. A solid rental history, proof of a stable income
    and a letter of good standing from your debt counsellor will help offset concerns.

    Can I exclude certain accounts from the debt review process?

    No. All current credit agreements must be included and treated fairly with regards to
    distribution of available funds.

    Can I pay more if my financial situation improves?

    Yes. It will contribute to a quicker exit from the debt review process.

    Will I lose my car or home if I apply for debt review

    No. The credit providers actually assist you to retain these assets by positive participation in the
    debt review process.

    we are a debt counselling company

    Established in 2008, we have successfully assisted 100’s of over indebted and cash strapped clients over the years. Priding ourselves in excellence and personal service. We’re not a call centre. We build trust and relationships. We will not only lighten your burdens, we will also educate you to ensure financial freedom in the future.

    we are committed to...

    We are committed to taking the “worry” out of your daily life. Assisting you in becoming debt free and credit worthy and to improve your current financial situation, safe guarding your assets. We will advise you with integrity. This process is completely transparent and we communicate on an ongoing basis with you : our client. Your financial burdens will be addressed, so that you can get on with life.We are constantly ensuring that we are aware of the industry trends and skills upgrading. We’re engage with industry players to ensure that you receive the best advice and assistance at all times.We stand to be committed to educating you in order to obtain and maintain financial freedom.

    book time with us, so we may assist you on 
    living a debt free life

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