Case study: How DebtBusters helped a young mother overcome R200,000 debt

Many South Africans find themselves trapped in a cycle of borrowing, especially after unexpected life changes such as retrenchment or growing family responsibilities. 

Debt due to high‐interest credit cards, personal loans, and lingering bills can quickly spiral out of control.

This case study shows how one client, Nicole, went from nearly R200,000 in debt to regaining financial stability with the help of debt counselling from DebtBusters.

Client background

• Age (when starting debt counselling): 23 years old 
• Status: Newly pregnant, recently retrenched
• Assets at the time: None (no property or savings)
• Total debt owed: Just under R200,000

Nicole was “running the show” at her company at the height of her career, spending without much thought for the future. When she fell pregnant and lost her job, she turned to credit cards and personal loans to make ends meet, which only deepened her debt cycle.

Turning point 

“The moment I realised I needed to do something about my situation was when my debt was more than my current income,” Nicole said.

Facing debt repayments that far exceeded her earnings, she knew she couldn’t carry on. That awareness marked the start of Nicole’s journey with debt counselling, also known as debt review.

Are you worried about your spending habits? Take our self-analysis test and find out if you need help with debt management. 

Discovering DebtBusters

A close friend working at DebtBusters recommended our services to Nicole. From the very first consultation, she received:

• Responsive support via email and phone
• Clear guidance on the debt counselling process
• Regular updates from both debt counsellors and consultants

How DebtBusters helped

1. Comprehensive financial assessment
   We reviewed every outstanding loan, credit card, and account to calculate exactly how much debt Nicole was in.
2. Formal debt counselling application
   Our debt counsellor informed Nicole’s creditors of her application, ensuring her legal protection.
3. Restructured repayment plan
   Based on her income and living expenses, we negotiated new monthly instalments that Nicole could afford.
4. Ongoing coaching and support
   Frequent check-ins and budgeting advice helped Nicole stay on track and build healthy money habits.

Read our full and comprehensive debt counselling guide for more information.

Outcome and benefits of debt counselling

Total debt under control

Nicole’s monthly debt payments were reduced, in line with her income and affordability.

Less stress

Legal threats and possible summonses from Nicole’s creditors stopped immediately, and debt payments were consolidated into one affordable monthly amount.

Renewed confidence

With creditors off her back, affordable monthly debt payments, and a structured budget in place, Nicole went from feeling helpless to feeling financially empowered.

“It has taken a lot of strength to get to this point – and that strength is something that has had to keep me going,” Nicole shared.

“You need to take the chances to better your life, and you need to listen – other people have been through it all already.”

Lessons learned through the debt counselling process

During her five-year journey, Nicole discovered key habits that kept her on track:

• Don’t slip back into old spending patterns. Nicole learned not to overspend on luxuries the way she used to before debt counselling.
• Build an emergency fund. This became non-negotiable, ensuring Nicole could handle unexpected expenses without borrowing.
• Spend only on essentials. By focusing on needs rather than wants, Nicole avoided temptation and stayed in control of her finances.
• Stay cautious but confident. Even when tempted, Nicole reminded herself of how far she’d come and vowed not to repeat the same mistakes.

Who needs DebtBusters’ services?

• Anyone who finds it difficult to keep up with debt repayments and as a result, is struggling to cover basic living costs
• Young professionals who have over-leveraged credit cards or personal loans
• Parents with lingering debt who are juggling expenses related to schooling and raising children

Watch more: Yvonne’s story under debt counselling 

How DebtBusters can help you

1. Free initial consultation to understand your debt profile
2. Tailored debt counselling application submitted on your behalf
3. Negotiated lower interest rates and repayment terms with all registered credit providers
4. Ongoing support and financial coaching until you’re debt free

Start your journey to financial freedom today 

No matter how overwhelming your debt situation, you don’t have to face it alone. DebtBusters provides the expertise, advocacy, and encouragement to break free from unmanageable repayments and start rebuilding your financial future, one affordable instalment at a time.

Learn more about our debt counselling process and debt solutions. Ready to take control? Contact DebtBusters today for your free assessment.