Articles by Fiona Zerbst

Your rights when defaulting on a credit agreement

Your rights when defaulting on a credit agreement

16 March 2023 · Fiona Zerbst

Defaulting on a credit agreement can damage your credit score, but you do have recourse and rights. We outline these.

Should more food items be tax-exempt?

Should more food items be tax-exempt?

12 March 2023 · Fiona Zerbst

Food items that are VAT-exempt help cash-strapped consumers to save. We ask whether more foods should be exempted, and whether prices will continue to rise.

How to avoid having your car repossessed

How to avoid having your car repossessed

9 March 2023 · Fiona Zerbst

Breaching the terms of a vehicle loan agreement can lead to car repossession. We provide some tips to avoid this costly and distressing legal scenario.

How to raise a dispute with a credit bureau

How to raise a dispute with a credit bureau

7 March 2023 · Fiona Zerbst

Incorrect information may appear in your credit report – and you have a right to challenge it. We discuss how to raise a dispute with a credit bureau.

Which post-retirement annuity is best for you?

Which post-retirement annuity is best for you?

5 March 2023 · Fiona Zerbst

Post-retirement annuities provide you with an income in your senior years. We outline the options, and consider the pros and cons of each.

Protests in South Africa – what are the legalities?

Protests in South Africa – what are the legalities?

2 March 2023 · Fiona Zerbst

There are regulations governing organising or taking part in a protest. This article explores the legalities, along with the rights of protestors.

How to buy a first-rate second-hand car

How to buy a first-rate second-hand car

28 February 2023 · Fiona Zerbst

Buying a second-hand car can be risky if you aren’t aware of the pitfalls. We provide tips for purchasing a quality used vehicle.

Installing solar power in a residential complex

Installing solar power in a residential complex

26 February 2023 · Fiona Zerbst

Residential estates and complexes can install solar power, but there are regulations involved. We outline what you need to know before going off the grid.

Tax-free savings accounts – optimise your investment

Tax-free savings accounts – optimise your investment

23 February 2023 · Fiona Zerbst

A tax-free savings account (TFSA) is no ordinary savings vehicle. We examine misconceptions around TFSAs and explore the benefits and costs of different products.

The pros and cons of pawnshop loans

The pros and cons of pawnshop loans

21 February 2023 · Fiona Zerbst

A pawnshop (or collateral) loan is a fast, convenient way to obtain cash. We consider the pros and cons of these loans, and provide some useful tips.

How to avoid paying Eskom more for less

How to avoid paying Eskom more for less

19 February 2023 · Fiona Zerbst

Consumers will be hard-hit when Eskom’s new tariff increase takes effect. We investigate why we’re paying more for less power, and how to avoid this.

The water crisis: What can we do about it?

The water crisis: What can we do about it?

16 February 2023 · Fiona Zerbst

The deepening water crisis is unlikely to be resolved any time soon. This article considers what you can do to put a water resilience strategy in place.