Debtfree DIGI March 2016 | Page 6

EDITOR’S NOTE March sees a spate of public holidays and long weekends. A brief respite from the pressures that weigh down both those religious and secular. Of course, all the public holidays are either a boon or curse depending on whether you earn on those days or not. For those who have to pay staff regardless, it is hardly a boon but rather a burden. For those who do not earn on days they do not work, it is a frustrating time of year which sees bank balances further decimated. For the rest, it gives a moment of quiet in the storm to collect ones thoughts and plan ahead. meeting held in Cape Town suddenly turned sour. We look into all the local news about the industry and consider how this will impact on consumers and debt counselling firms. New court cases have also captured the attention of the industry recently. These matters may shape the way ahead or may simply be another matter referenced in upcoming appeals cases. Either way we have a look at what has been coming out of the courts in this issue. Debt Review can also be a real respite from As the last days of summer slip between our debt pressures that are weighing in on you. fingers, it seems that clever consumers are If you are feeling crushed and unsure about clambering for debt help through debt review. how to deal with debt then head down to your The chickens (of Dec and Jan spending) are local Debt Counsellor. Get a fresh perspective, home to roost and for many February was professional advice on your situation and take a harsh month calling for action which was the first steps towards being debt free. finally taken in March. Application numbers are high. The interest rate hikes and food price increases at the shops are hitting all of us hard. Predictions are that further rate hikes and more pressure on the Rand lies ahead so, brace yourself. March has been the month of industry workshops by both the Regulator and credit providers. This issue we look into the recent series of NCR workshops rolling out across the country for Debt Counsellors and Credit Providers and see how the very well supported