Like many South African families, Chantal and Ashley found themselves trapped in a debt spiral after life took an unexpected turn.
As their debts mounted, the couple started to lose financial control.
This case study illustrates how Chantal and Ashley transitioned from desperation to financial stability with the help of debt counselling from DebtBusters.
Chantal and Ashley’s background
Chantal and Ashley were living the middle-class dream – until one day, the numbers stopped adding up.
“Between credit cards, an overdraft, store accounts, and a personal loan, our repayments were starting to swallow up our income,” Chantal says.
Every month, they faced the same painful choice: “Do we buy groceries, or do we pay the bank?”
Their finances – and their relationship – came under huge pressure.
“As the saying goes, ‘When money walks out the front door, love slips out the back door’ – and we could feel it happening,” Chantal recalls.
The turning point
The couple realised that something had to change. They could no longer bear the choice between paying off debt or buying food.
On the night of this realisation, Ashley conducted an online search for help with debt in South Africa and came across DebtBusters.
Chantal completed the free debt assessment the next morning.
Discovering DebtBusters
“Within 24 hours, a friendly debt counsellor called, listened – really listened – and explained the debt review process step by step,” says Chantal.
Debt counselling – also known as debt review – is a formal process regulated by the National Credit Regulator that helps overindebted individuals regain financial control through a series of straightforward steps.
Chantal and Ashley’s debt expert helped them with:
- A financial assessment. This entails a full review of every account on which funds are owing.
- A formal application to place the couple under debt counselling in line with the National Credit Act.
- Immediate legal protection. Creditors were told to stop all calls and emails.
- An affordable, realistic repayment plan based on the couple’s actual income and expenses.
It was like magic – the calls stopped.
Are you worried about your spending habits? Take our self-analysis test and find out if you need help with debt management.
How DebtBusters helped
DebtBusters provided almost immediate stress relief for the anxious couple. “Our counsellor guided us through every step, reminded us of court dates, and shared all proposals from creditors,” says Chantal. “We never felt alone.”
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Before debt counselling |
With debt counselling from DebtBusters |
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Monthly repayments |
Many unmanageable payments |
One affordable monthly payment |
|
Creditor calls |
Daily calls and threats |
No creditor harassment – all contact via a debt counsellor |
|
Family finances |
Constant cash shortfall |
Balanced household budget |
|
Emotional stress |
Arguments, anxiety, and marriage problems |
Peace of mind and better communication |
Outcome and benefits of debt counselling
With creditor pressure gone, little joys crept back into Ashley and Chantal’s lives and relationship, including:
- Treats for the family, without guilt
- A proper holiday every year – at least a week away together
- Eating out on occasion
“Most importantly, our marriage began to heal,” says Chantal. “Conversations shifted from panic to planning.”
It does get better – really, it does get better.
Lessons learned through the debt counselling process
Here are some of the learnings and habits that helped keep Ashley and Chantal on track:
1. Put needs before wants. Financial discipline can make a big difference.
2. Cash is king. Avoid unnecessary credit, as your debt can snowball very easily.
3. Talk openly about money as a couple. Don’t shy away from the hard conversations.
4. Plan for the unexpected. Emergencies can derail your finances, so try to save a little each month – even a small savings fund can make a big difference.
“Debt counselling isn’t a quick fix – it’s a structured journey,” says Chantal. “But each on-time payment brought us closer to freedom.”
Read our full and comprehensive debt counselling guide for more information.
Who should consider DebtBusters?
Anyone whose monthly debt repayments are higher than their income (or combined income, in the case of couples)
- Anyone feeling overwhelmed by creditor calls or legal threats, and would like legal protection from their creditors.
- Families whose relationships are suffering due to debt stress.
- Get expert help
No matter how overwhelming your debt feels, you don’t have to face it alone.
DebtBusters helps South Africans take back control through affordable, structured debt counselling – and will support you every step of the way.
Ready to take control? Contact DebtBusters today for your free assessment.
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