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Meerkat Blog

Our blog covers insights and practical tips to reduce your reliance on debt and build up resilience for financial emergencies in a simple, cost-effective and tailor made way.

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Budgeting, finances on track, Financial Education

Latest: The VAT increase has been withdrawn

2 min read

South Africa’s VAT (Value-Added Tax) rate was expected to rise from 15% to 15.5% starting 1 May...

Group Funeral Cover

Why Getting Funeral Cover in Your 30s Is a Smart Financial Move

2 min read

When you’re in your 30s or 40s, life is full of responsibilities. You might be raising children,...

Debt Solutions

Life after debt review: everything you need to know

4 min read

What happens at the end of debt review? Going through debt review can be a life-changing journey...

remove debt review, Cancel Debt Review

How Meerkat Can Help You Remove the Debt Review Flag

2 min read

In South Africa, the debt review process offers a lifeline for those struggling with overwhelming...

Group Funeral Cover

How to Choose the Right Funeral Cover for Your Burial Society or Stokvel

2 min read

Choosing the right funeral cover for your burial society or stokvel is one of the most important...

Debt Solutions

Can I be blacklisted while under debt review?

2 min read

Can you be blacklisted while under debt review? When you are under debt review you, you won't be...

Debt Solutions

How do I remove myself from debt review in 2025?

4 min read

Is it possible to be removed from debt review? If you've paid up all your debt, understanding how...

Debt Solutions

Who is Hyphen Payment Distribution Agency?

1 min read

We are often asked how our clients money is distributed to each creditor every month. We work with...

national credit regulator, ncr

Understanding the National Credit Regulator in South Africa

3 min read

The National Credit Regulator (NCR) plays a pivotal role in overseeing the South African credit...

Debt Solutions

How do you get approved for a loan in South Africa?

4 min read

Before you apply for a personal loan, you should first check if you’re actually in a position to be...

Debt Solutions

Can the NCR remove you from debt review

3 min read

Who can remove me from debt review? The National Credit Regulator (NCR) does not remove you from...

Financial Wellness at Work, Financial Education

Depression & finances  How do I stop stressing about money?

3 min read

The link between financial stress and your mental health Are your financial worries leading you to...

Debt Solutions

What happens if you have debt you can't pay in South Africa?

3 min read

If you cannot pay your debt in South Africa, and you miss a monthly payment, this will go on your...

Debt Solutions

What to do if Debt Collectors are harassing you

4 min read

If you don't pay your debt, usually, after issuing you with a letter of demand (Section 129 Notice)...

Debt Solutions

How Long Does Debt Review Last in South Africa?

2 min read

If you're considering or already under debt review, a common question is: How long does debt review...

Financial Education, Debt Solutions

Why debt counselling is your best retirement plan

2 min read

Did you know: 89% of South Africans plan to continue working or work part-time due to a lack of...

Debt Solutions

Understanding Your Repossession Rights in South Africa

3 min read

Repossession can be a daunting experience, especially when you’re faced with the stress of losing...

Debt Solutions

What happens if I stop paying debt review in South Africa?

2 min read

What happens if I can't pay my debt review payment? As hard as it may be during challenging times,...

Financial Education

You could be using your Tax-Free Savings Account wrong

3 min read

Tax-Free Savings Accounts can be promoted as an effective way to save because:

Debt Solutions

How does social media affect our spending habits?

4 min read

Lifestyle content, influx of 'haul content' and trying to keep up with the latest social media...

Funeral Cover

How much funeral cover do I need in South Africa?

2 min read

When considering how much funeral cover you need in South Africa, you have to consider the costs of...

Funeral Cover

What is the best funeral cover in South Africa?

8 min read

Spoiler: the best funeral cover may not be the cheapest funeral cover or most popular funeral...

Financial Education, interest rates, repo rate

Why Understanding the Repo Rate is Essential in South Africa

2 min read

For anyone planning to borrow money in South Africa, understanding the repo rate is crucial. The...

Credit

What is a good credit score in South Africa?

3 min read

What is a credit score in South Africa Before establishing what a good credit score in South Africa...

remove debt review, Cancel Debt Review

How much does it cost to remove debt review in South Africa?

2 min read

Free debt review removal does not exist If you have your paid-up letters from creditors, it can...

Funeral Cover, Financial Wellness at Work

Estate Planning: A complete Guide

7 min read

Estate Planning: Explained If you’re interested in learning more about Estate Planning and why it...

Credit, Debt Solutions

How to Remove Prescribed Debt from Your Credit Report

2 min read

Managing your finances can be a challenge, especially when old debts seem to resurface...

Credit

How to check if you're blacklisted in South Africa

3 min read

What does being blacklisted in South Africa mean? Previously, when credit bureaus only stored...

Debt Solutions

What is a Section 129 notice in South Africa?

3 min read

In the South African context, a section 129 notice or notice under section 129, is a written notice...

Budgeting, finances on track, goal setting

A Guide on How to Set Realistic Financial Goals in 2025

4 min read

Whether you want to pay off debt, build savings, or start investing, setting realistic financial...

Budgeting, electricity, solar power

South Africans Must Register Their Solar Rooftops or Face a Fine

3 min read

Do you have to register your solar system with Eskom? South African homeowners with solar power...

Budgeting, how long does debt review take, Debt Solutions

How Do I Pay Off My Debt Review Faster?

3 min read

If you're under debt review, you’ve already taken a smart step toward regaining financial control...

Financial Wellness at Work, Financial Education

7 Bad money habits you need to break to achieve financial freedom

4 min read

We're all are guilty of having at least one bad money habit. The trick is overcoming these bad...

Debt Solutions

A young family went from over-indebted to debt-free thanks to Meerkat

2 min read

Problem After being ill for six months with tuberculosis (TB), Themba Dlomo was unemployed for a...

Cancel Debt Review

How to Know If Your Debt Review Flag Has Been Removed

2 min read

Debt review is a legal process that's designed to help individuals manage overwhelming debt while...

Debt Solutions

Why you should go under debt counselling in 2025

3 min read

You should go under debt counselling in 2025 if you are struggling to make your monthly debt...

Group Funeral Cover

The Importance of Group Funeral Cover: Giving Your Loved Ones the Send-Off They Deserve

3 min read

Let’s face it – funerals are expensive. And when you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, the last...

Debt Solutions

Debt Relief in South Africa

2 min read

Debt Counselling / Debt Review - What You Need to Know If you are struggling to breathe under all...

Debt Solutions

How much debt is too much debt in South Africa?

4 min read

In South Africa, more than 27 million people are credit active consumers in the formal credit...

Debt Solutions

How do I clear my debts quickly in South Africa: 5 Proven Strategies

4 min read

If you're looking for the smartest, fastest way to get out of debt in South Africa, you're reading...

Debt Solutions

Is debt review a good idea?

3 min read

When trying to figure out whether anything is good for you, a good idea is always to make a pros...

Debt Solutions

Debt Review vs. Debt Consolidation: Which is Right for You?

2 min read

Struggling with debt and unsure which solution is best for you? Debt review and debt consolidation...

Debt Solutions

New to debt review? You need to open a new bank account

3 min read

Can you open a new bank account if you are under debt review? Yes, not only can you open a new bank...

Debt Solutions

The Advantages & Disadvantages of Debt Review

3 min read

Debt counselling also known as debt review can be a lifeline for those overwhelmed by debt. It’s a...

Financial Education, Debt Solutions

How long after being cleared from debt review can you get credit?

3 min read

If you're wondering how long debt review lasts, how long after you've completed the process you can...

Debt Solutions

How can I save my car from repossession?

1 min read

If you want to save your car from being repossessed, you should act very soon! Act before you...

Savings

How to save money from your salary

5 min read

To ensure you stick to your savings goals and remain consistent about saving, you first need to...

Financial Education

10 steps to financial freedom in South Africa

4 min read

Whether you’re just starting your professional life or if you’re nearing retirement, knowing how to...

Budgeting, Savings

How to start a budget in 6 simple steps

4 min read

With all the interest rate hikes, we've all had to pull in the reigns a bit. What this often...

Savings

Emergency fund: Why and How you should start

5 min read

Emergency fund: Why and How you should start We’ve all heard the expression “saving for a rainy...

Debt Solutions

Debt review process - step-by-step guide to becoming debt free

3 min read

Are you feeling overwhelmed by mounting debts? Struggling to make ends meet each month? It's time...

Debt Solutions

Understanding Debt Counselling: Your Path to Financial Freedom

3 min read

Are you feeling overwhelmed by debt? Struggling to keep up with monthly payments? Debt counselling...

Debt Solutions

What happens if you can't afford to pay your bond?

3 min read

What happens if you can't afford to pay your house? Look, we all have gone through financial...

Funeral Cover

Why funeral cover should be part of your planning in 2025

4 min read

As we step into a new year, it's essential to consider all aspects of our financial planning,...

Funeral Cover

Affordable funeral cover that truly covers funeral costs

2 min read

If you're shopping around for the most affordable funeral cover or funeral plan in South Africa,...

Debt Solutions

How you can get ITC Clearance in South Africa online

3 min read

Who is ITC? ITC meaning: ITC changed its name in 2003 and is now known as TransUnion. TransUnion is...

Debt Solutions

How to cancel debt review online in South Africa

3 min read

How to cancel debt review online You can't write a letter to cancel debt review. You can only...

Debt Solutions

How Debt Review Can Save Your Home and Car

3 min read

If you’re struggling with debt and worried about losing your home or car, you’re not alone. Many...

Credit, Debt Solutions

How do I get a clearance certificate for debt review?

2 min read

What Is a Debt Review Clearance Certificate? A clearance certificate, also sometimes known as the...

Debt Solutions

What is Debt Review? A Complete Guide to Debt Relief in South Africa

4 min read

Debt review meaning: Debt review is a legal solution that protects you from creditors and helps you...

Debt Solutions

Lawyers that remove debt review in South Africa

4 min read

You don't need a lawyer to remove you from the debt review process, you need a registered debt...

Debt Solutions

Is a debt consolidation loan a good idea for you?

4 min read

Debt consolidation loans are often marketed as a one-size-fits-all solution for managing debt. They...

Budgeting, black friday, groceries

Where to get the best grocery deals this Black Friday

1 min read

On 29 November 2024, Black Friday will take place. While it is usually a day to look out for 'big...

Debt Solutions

Can Debt Review Ruin Your Credit Forever?

4 min read

Debt review is often misunderstood, with many fearing that it permanently damages their financial...

Debt Solutions

A Comprehensive Guide to Debt Consolidation in South Africa

2 min read

Debt can quickly become overwhelming, and finding the right solution is crucial to regaining...

Financial Wellness at Work, Financial Education

The implications of your marriage agreement on your finances

5 min read

The implications of your marriage agreement on your finances The nature of your permanent...

Budgeting, Savings, Financial Education

3 Essential components for financial literacy

4 min read

According to Experian—a renowned credit bureau—the key components of financial literacy are:

Budgeting, Savings, Financial Education

Avoid JanuWorry: How to Budget for the Holiday Season

3 min read

The holiday season is a time for the Summer weather, celebration, friends and family, and...

Funeral Cover

Can you afford to die? The cost of funerals in South Africa

3 min read

A Google search on the average funeral costs in South Africa will quickly reveal that prices range...

Debt Solutions

What happens if you can't pay your debt in South Africa?

2 min read

This is a real-life example of how a South African woman who couldn’t pay her debt became debt-free...

Credit, Budgeting, Debt Solutions

How can i clear my credit record in South Africa?

4 min read

Maintaining a healthy credit record is essential for financial security. A clean credit record not...

Credit

What you need to know about credit reports in South Africa

2 min read

What is a credit report? A credit report is a detailed overview of your credit history compiled by...

Financial Education, Debt Solutions

Prescribed debt in South Africa

3 min read

Prescribed debt meaning Prescribed debt or prescription debt in South Africa is old debt that has...

Budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule in South Africa & other budgeting approaches

4 min read

Creating a budget is essential for anyone looking to gain control of their finances and achieve...

Credit, Debt Solutions

How does Buy Now, Pay Later Work?

4 min read

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) is a popular payment option that allows consumers to purchase a product...

What happens if I can't afford my car instalment?

4 min read

Because interest rates have gone up dramatically since 2021, many homeowners and car owners are now...

Credit, Debt Solutions

What is DebiCheck? Everything you need to know

3 min read

How does a DebiCheck work? DebiCheck is a type of debit order that gets confirmation from you...

Debt Solutions

What Is a Judgment? Understanding Its Impact on Your Finances and How to Avoid It

2 min read

What is a judgment? A judgment is a formal decision made by a court, which is recorded publicly. In...

Debt Solutions

Best Debt Review Companies in South Africa

2 min read

Dealing with debt can be overwhelming, but finding the right debt review company is crucial to...

Loans for Blacklisted Individuals: Simplify Your Path to Financial Recovery

3 min read

If you’re struggling with getting a loan and hear the term “blacklisted,” it’s important to know...

Debt Solutions

What does debt rescue mean?

2 min read

What Does Debt Rescue Mean? Do you have sleepless nights thinking about how much debt you are in?...

Financial Education

Latest repo rate announcement and what it means for you

2 min read

On 19 September 2024, The South African Reserve Bank (The SARB)'s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)...

Financial Education, Debt Solutions

Why you shouldn’t use your retirement savings to pay off your debt

3 min read

Don't dip into your retirement savings to cover your debt. Tapping into your retirement savings...

Financial Education

What you should know about the two-pot retirement system in South Africa

3 min read

How does the 2 pot system work in South Africa? With the two-pot system, retirement contributions...

Credit, Credit Life Insurance

You have credit life cover and you probably don't even know it

3 min read

What is credit life cover? Credit life cover is a type of insurance that aims to protect you and...

Financial Education

How to avoid the danger of payday loans

2 min read

What is a payday loan in South Africa? A payday loan refers to a short-term loan intended to give...

Debt Solutions

Removal from debt review: everything you need to know

2 min read

Is it possible to remove the debt review status from your credit profile? As of March 2022, a...

Debt Solutions

Do you qualify for debt review in South Africa?

2 min read

What is debt review in South Africa? Before determining if you qualify for debt review in South...

Credit Life Insurance

What is credit life cover?

3 min read

Credit life cover or credit life insurance is a type of insurance that covers your debt in the...

Financial Education

How do I stop the bank from taking my home?

2 min read

Act now! Okay, act as soon as you've read this blog post. If you find yourself in a sticky...

Financial Education

Homeowners brace yourself- high interest rates may be here for some time

2 min read

"Interest rates to stay higher for longer" "Interest rates go from bad to worse". These are some of...

Credit

Why you keep getting rejected for a loan and what you can do

4 min read

There are 3 main reasons your loan may have been declined: There is a debt review flag on your...

Credit, Financial Education, Debt Solutions

South Africa’s Credit Bureaus: How They Impact Your Credit Score

4 min read

Credit, Budgeting

The 5 best ways to manage your money

4 min read

When it comes to managing your money well, you may think that the best way to manage your money is...

Debt Solutions

What options do I have if I can't pay my debt?

2 min read

Did you know: almost half of a South African's salary is spent paying debt, with the average South...

Credit, Debt Solutions

Will debt counselling affect your credit score in South Africa?

2 min read

Debt counselling can affect your credit score in the following ways: When you consistently repay...

Credit

How owing money can impact your credit score

4 min read

Does owing money affect your credit score? When it comes to your credit score, owing money can have...

Debt Solutions

"The middle-class is collapsing under debt" - Maya Fisher-French

3 min read

The middle class cant cope with debt in South Africa "Consumers applying for debt review are...

Debt Solutions

What happens if you can't pay off a personal loan?

4 min read

If you find that you are unable to pay your personal loan (unsecured loan), the first thing you...

Budgeting, Debt Solutions

6 expenses you should cut down on to save money

5 min read

It’s no secret that throughout the world there is a cost of living crisis. Before looking at where...

Budgeting

How do I budget with a low income in South Africa?

3 min read

Budgeting for a low income in South Africa can be a challenging task, especially if we consider all...

Financial Education

How to change your money mindset

3 min read

A money mindset refers to the set of beliefs, attitudes, and thoughts that individuals have about...

Savings, Financial Education

Why and how you can start building the habit of paying yourself first

5 min read

Why is it important to pay yourself first? It is crucial to prioritise paying yourself first...

Savings

Which type of savings account is best in South Africa?

4 min read

Finding the best savings account in South Africa can be daunting with so many options available....

Credit, Debt Solutions

Debt Counselling: All your questions answered

6 min read

Debt Counselling - Frequently Asked Questions What is the NCA? National Credit Act (NCA). Act...

Debt Solutions

Why is my loan getting rejected in South Africa?

4 min read

Summary of this blog post: Three main reasons a bank may reject your loan application, but a debt...

Credit, Debt Solutions

What are 3 ways to pay off credit card debt fast?

7 min read

If you have no extra money to put towards your credit card debt, and it feels like you're drowning...

Budgeting, Savings, Funeral Cover, Debt Solutions

5 Top financial resolutions you can’t afford to skip in 2024

6 min read

Start the year with a bang by establishing your financial resolutions for 2024 right now. Take a...

Credit, Debt Solutions

How do i clear my credit record in South Africa?

2 min read

An effective way to clear your credit record in South Africa is to go under debt review at Meerkat.

Funeral Cover

What happens if you can't afford a funeral in South Africa?

2 min read

Did you know: South Africans will have to fork out between R3000 to R50 000 for a funeral service...

Debt Solutions

How to Deal with Debt Collectors

2 min read

Learn effective strategies to deal with debt collectors and clear your debt in South Africa with...

Debt Solutions

Mastering Debt Management: A Tool for Financial Success

2 min read

In today's fast-paced world, it's not uncommon to find ourselves facing financial challenges. From...

Credit, Debt Solutions

Are South Africans addicted to credit or unable to keep up with the cost of living?

3 min read

South African consumers owe a total of R2.31 trillion. This is based on the reports (Consumer...

Financial Education

Another petrol price increase and how this affects you

2 min read

When did the petrol price increase? On Wednesday, 4 October 2023 South Africans got dealt another...

The Comprehensive Guide to Rent-to-Own Cars

2 min read

Rent-to-own cars have gained popularity as an alternative financing option for individuals with...

Financial Education

Retirement in South Africa: How much do you need to retire comfortably?

3 min read

How much do I need to retire comfortably in South Africa? The amount you save for retirement would...

Financial Education

The minimum salary you have to earn to to live comfortably in SA

4 min read

The cost of living in South Africa will differ depending on the province and city you reside in and...

What happens if I can't afford to pay my bond?

2 min read

If you are experiencing financial difficulty and you can’t afford your bond repayments, instead of...

Funeral Cover

What are the top 5 causes of death in South Africa?

2 min read

The latest data available for mortality in South Africa is based on the year 2018. Here’s what we...

What is the best way to spend your income?

3 min read

“Everyone teaches you how to save money, but no one really teaches you how to spend it” - Ramit...

Debt Solutions

Before signing up for debt mediation, you should know this

3 min read

There are an abundance of debt solutions online. Not all of them are legal or in your best...

Funeral Cover

Six things you didn't know about funeral cover

2 min read

With funerals in South Africa costing between R20 000 and R80 000 on average, funeral cover has...

Savings, Financial Education

The 4 savings accounts you need in South Africa

3 min read

There are many savings accounts in South Africa. It can be overwhelming trying to figure out which...

Funeral Cover

Selecting the Ideal Funeral Cover in South Africa: A Comprehensive Guide

2 min read

Death is an inevitable part of life, and while it may be an uncomfortable topic to discuss,...

Savings

How do I choose a savings account in South Africa?

4 min read

When considering what the best savings account in South Africa is, you should first think about why...

Funeral Cover

5 Reasons Why Having a Funeral Policy is Essential for Your Peace of Mind

4 min read

Death is a topic that we often try to avoid, but it's an inevitable part of life. We all want to...

Financial Education

Another interest rate increase in South Africa and what you can do about it

2 min read

On 25 May 2023, The South African Reserve Bank’s (SARB) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) announced...

Credit

How will a personal loan affect my credit score?

2 min read

Personal loans can be a useful financial tool for many South Africans. A personal loan can help you...

Financial Education

What is the cheapest grocery store in South Africa?

2 min read

According to research conducted by The Outlier, for April 2023, Makro is the most affordable store...

How to save and get the most out of your prepaid electricity

3 min read

The National Energy Regulator (NERSA) approved an 18.65% price hike in electricity tariffs in...

Budgeting, Financial Education

How you can manage your money during a cost of living crisis

5 min read

Across the country, South Africans are struggling to make it to the end of the month because of...

Funeral Cover

How To Let Go: Dealing with loss, some insight into the journey

4 min read

Dealing with loss, some insights into the journey. It’s arguably one of the hardest things you’ll...

Funeral Cover

Funeral cover | How to know if you’re over-insured or under-insured

3 min read

Funeral cover or funeral insurance is a whole life benefit. People pay for funeral cover to ensure...

Savings

13 Tips for Saving Money

7 min read

Save money: 13 Tips for saving money It’s National Savings month this July, and here at Meerkat we...

Savings, Financial Wellness at Work

Important Facts You Need To Know About Savings

5 min read

Interest rates - The single most important attribute of a savings account Saving is the core of...

Funeral Cover

Six mistakes that could be fatal for your funeral cover

4 min read

Mistakes that could invalidate your funeral cover When it comes to choosing the right funeral cover...

Funeral Cover

Looking for affordable funeral cover? 

2 min read

What is the difference between funeral cover and life policy? Funeral cover is a form of insurance...

Debt Solutions

Can I get a personal loan while under debt review?

3 min read

Simply put, you need to avoid loans at all costs when you are under debt review. Taking a personal...

Funeral Cover

Green Burials and Eco Funerals are becoming popular!

3 min read

Green Burials and Eco Funerals are becoming popular! The landscape of funerals in South Africa has...

Funeral Cover

Things you must consider when taking out funeral cover

5 min read

Key things you may not know about funeral cover With a broad market in funeral policies in South...

Funeral Cover

Funeral Cover Comparison - Find the right cover for you & your family

2 min read

Why do I need funeral cover? Funeral cover is a type of insurance that, in the event of your death,...

Credit, Savings, Debt Solutions

How can I start saving?

3 min read

7 Simple ways to save money There is always a reason to start saving you just need one that...

Financial Education, Debt Solutions

The Fundamentals of Financial Literacy

2 min read

The key components of financial literacy Financial literacy refers to a basic understanding of...

Savings, Debt Solutions

Why do I always spend too much money?

2 min read

Reasons for overspending and how to save money To build wealth and reach financial independence,...

Credit Life Insurance

What is Credit Life Cover & what is it used for?

2 min read

Do you have credit life insurance to cover you? Credit life insurance is a form of coverage...

Credit, Debt Solutions

How saving can keep you debt free

4 min read

Save effectively to keep you debt-free In an over-indebted country such as South Africa, learning...

Financial Education, Debt Solutions

The ultimate guide to your finances

4 min read

Meerkat's guide to your finances It’s always good to learn about finances. Here we provide a guide...

Debt Solutions

Can I take out credit when I have finished debt counselling?

1 min read

Can I take out credit after debt review? Are you wondering if you can take out credit whilst...

Financial Education, Debt Solutions

Can I still rent property if I’m under debt review?

1 min read

Renting property while under debt review Since its introduction into South Africa, debt review has...
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