Articles by Isabelle Coetzee
Can you go through life with a credit score of zero?
If you don’t have a payment history because you have never relied on credit before, the credit bureaus will assign you a score of zero. This means you are unproven as a debtor, and creditors will be sceptical to lend to you.
How to divide expenses among flatmates so that nobody feels disgruntled
If you’ve decided to take the plunge and move in with friends or family members, you may be faced with the question of how to manage household finances. We find out what you should consider.
What is “theft by finding” and could you go to jail for it?
“Theft by finding” is an offence, and you could land in deep water if you don’t understand it. We find out what this is, what the consequences could be, and what you should do if you find someone else’s property.
How to manage your money on a budget at varsity
High school is over, and it’s time to face the “real world”. This may include studying at a university or college and, in most cases, this means taking responsibility for your own finances. This is a giant step into adulthoo...
Does car insurance have a waiting period?
In South Africa, if you take out medical aid, you may be placed on a three-month waiting period before your insurance is considered active. But does the same apply to car insurance?
Everything you need to know about a Section 129 notice
If you’ve been struggling to pay your debt and your creditors have been calling you, then chances are you’re about to receive a Section 129 notice. But what is this document, and what does it mean?
Credit bureaus - what are they, and how do they set your credit score?
If you’ve ever applied for credit, you may have been told that they were going to contact the credit bureaus. But what is a credit bureau, and what exactly do they do?
Should you get a personal loan from a bank or a loan provider?
When you decide to take out a personal loan, you need to consider many factors which will help you determine how long it will take you to settle your debt. However, you will notice that you can take out a personal loan from the bank or from a lo...
Why should you have car insurance?
It’s a big day when you finally hold the keys to your first vehicle. Your future looks bright, and you plan to take road trips with your friends and visit far-away relatives. However, this vision can be shattered if you’re involved...
Which debts can you include in your consolidation loan?
When you start debt consolidation, you will have the opportunity to bundle all your outstanding debts into a single debt. But which debts are you allowed to include in this process?
Should you be taxed on your end of year bonus?
After a long year, you may be fortunate enough to be offered a bonus by your employer. This means that you will have the opportunity to spoil your loved ones, pay off your debt, or contribute towards your savings or investments. However, did you...
Steps to qualify for car insurance
By taking out car insurance, you will protect your vehicle. But before you can take out car insurance, you need to jump through a couple of hoops.