Getting out of debt isn’t easy—but it is possible with a structured plan, a small emergency buffer, and a simple payoff method that builds momentum. This guide is different from generic “10 ways to get out of debt” lists. Instead of scattered tips, it gives you a single, end-to-end game plan centred on debt review, budgeting that you can actually keep, and a debt snowball you can run inside your negotiated plan.
Imagine life after debt (and why this vision matters)
Take 60 seconds and picture your life with no debt. What changes first? Less stress at month-end? Savings for emergencies? A small holiday? Seed capital for a side hustle? That vision isn’t fluff—it’s your decision filter. When choices get tough (skip a takeaway, downgrade a package, say no to new credit), you’ll act in favour of that future. Write it down. Keep it visible.
Debt doesn’t just drain your bank account; it steals time and options. A focused plan gives both back.
Why a “single plan” beats 100 scattered tips
Lists like “10 ways to get out of debt” can be helpful, but they often create decision overload. This blueprint removes the clutter. You’ll set up one coordinated system with three pillars:
Debt review to stabilise repayments and get legal breathing room.
A starter emergency fund so surprises don’t push you back into borrowing.
The debt snowball to create visible momentum and finish faster.
Everything else supports these three.
When debt review is the right move
Consider debt review (also called debt counselling) if any of these feel familiar:
You’re missing payments or juggling due dates.
Interest and fees keep growing even though you pay.
Creditors are calling, and the stress is affecting work or family.
You’re borrowing to cover other debts.
Debt review consolidates your unsecured debts into an affordable, negotiated repayment, protects you from legal action once in effect, and gives you a clear path to a clearance certificate (Form 19) at the end. The goal isn’t to “park” your debt—it’s to finish it.
Not sure where you stand? A quick affordability assessment will show whether debt review is suitable and how your monthly instalment would change.
Step-by-step: your debt review journey
1) Assessment & affordability
You (and your spouse/partner, if applicable) provide income, expenses, and a list of all debts. A counsellor tests if debt review will make your budget workable.
2) Budget you can keep
You’ll create a family budget that covers essentials first (rent/bond, transport, groceries, medical, school, insurance), then minimums on debt, then a modest emergency-fund contribution. This is the heartbeat of your plan.
3) Negotiation & new instalment
Your debt counsellor negotiates reduced instalments and interest with credit providers. One consolidated monthly payment goes through a Payment Distribution Agency.
4) Live the plan
You pay the single instalment, stick to the budget, and avoid new credit. Your counsellor monitors progress and helps you handle hiccups.
5) Finish strong & clear your name
When all included debts are settled, your counsellor issues Form 19. This is sent to credit providers and bureaus so the “under debt review” flag is removed.
The missing piece most people ignore: an emergency fund
You’ll never “tip-toe” out of debt if every surprise (car repair, clinic visit, funeral travel) forces you to borrow again. Build a starter emergency fund while you’re in the plan.
Starter goal: R15,000 (we recommend R10k–R15k; R15k is a strong local target).
Why now: It protects your repayment plan from derailment.
Where to keep it: A separate, instant-access savings pocket at your bank. Label it “Emergency Fund”.
What counts as an emergency: unexpected + necessary + urgent. Not birthdays, holidays, or upgrades.
How to seed it quickly (without “10 tips” chaos):
Automate R250–R500 on payday (non-negotiable).
Downgrade one subscription and move the saving the same day.
Pack lunch three days a week for a month; move the savings weekly.
Sell 3–5 items you don’t use (target R1,000–R3,000 once-off).
Direct any refunds, overtime, or side-gig cash straight into the fund.
Use it only for real emergencies—and refill it before extra lifestyle spending returns.
Run the debt snowball inside your plan
A lot of people think debt review locks everything forever. It doesn’t. Once your plan is stable, you can add the debt snowball for momentum:
List your debts (within the plan) from smallest balance to largest. Ignore interest for this method.
Pay the agreed consolidated instalment every month (that never stops).
Add any extra you can find to the smallest balance until it’s cleared.
Roll that freed-up amount to the next smallest, and repeat.
Why it works: quick wins keep you motivated; motivation keeps you consistent. Your counsellor can help you identify which account to “target” next so your extra payments are allocated correctly.
The monthly routine that keeps couples aligned
Money fights usually come from silence, not scarcity. Do this together:
Money date, monthly (before payday).
What went right? 2) What was hard? 3) Update budget. 4) Confirm debt instalment + snowball target. 5) Emergency fund status. 6) One micro-saving for the month (e.g., data bundle switch).
Threshold rule: Any new purchase over R___ needs a quick check-in.
No secret credit. Debt review is a team sport; surprises break trust and the plan.
A 90-day sprint to prove it works
Month 1
Sign up, complete assessment, and finalise your workable budget.
Open an Emergency Fund pocket and automate your first transfer.
Choose one “big lever” to cut (e.g., downgrade DStv).
Start the snowball: identify the smallest balance to target.
Month 2
Sell 3–5 items; deposit proceeds to the emergency fund.
Pack lunch 3 days/week; move the savings every Friday.
Make your first extra payment to the snowball target.
Month 3
Review progress on your money date.
Adjust the budget (groceries/data/fuel) based on real numbers.
Increase the automated transfer (+R50 or +R100) if feasible.
Celebrate a win (free or low cost)—momentum matters.
By the end of 90 days, you’ll see fewer panic moments, a visible emergency balance, and at least one targeted debt shrinking faster than you expected.
Common roadblocks (and how to beat them)
“We can’t save while in debt.”
You can—and must—save a little. The emergency fund is a shield for your repayment plan.
“It feels too slow.”
Use the snowball for quick wins and track them. A simple note—“Paid +R400 extra this month”—keeps you going.
“Unexpected costs destroyed our progress.”
That’s normal. Use the fund, refill it first, then resume extra repayments.
“I’m scared our plan will fail.”
Failure is missing payments and pretending everything’s fine. Success is adjusting early with your counsellor when numbers change.
How this blueprint differs from “10 ways to get out of debt”
Single plan vs. scattered hacks. You’re running one coordinated system (review + buffer + snowball).
Behaviour built in. Monthly money dates and automation replace willpower.
Emergency-proofed. The buffer stops one crisis from becoming new debt.
Finish line defined. Your plan ends with a Form 19 clearance certificate—and a clean profile.
FAQs (fast, practical answers)
Can I still use the debt snowball under debt review?
Yes. You pay the negotiated instalment and add extra to the smallest balance. Your counsellor will help direct it correctly.
How big should my emergency fund be while I’m in the plan?
Target R15,000. After you finish unsecured debts, grow it to 3–6 months of essentials.
Will I be stuck under debt review forever?
No. The goal is completion. When everything in the plan is paid, you get Form 19, and bureaus update your profile.
What if I’ve already stopped paying?
Talk to a counsellor now. Don’t wait. There are paths to stabilise, renegotiate, and resume progress.
Your next three moves (do them today)
Book a free assessment to see your affordable consolidated instalment.
Open a separate savings pocket named Emergency Fund and automate R250–R500 for next payday.
Pick your first snowball target and set a small, non-negotiable extra (even R100).
Small steps, repeated, beat perfect plans that never start.
Bottom Line
Getting out of debt is hard—but not complicated. Stabilise with debt review, protect your progress with a starter emergency fund, and build momentum with the debt snowball. Keep showing up to your monthly money date, automate tiny wins, and let time do the heavy lifting. You’ve got this. It is going to take time, but it can be done. People are making the decision to apply for debt review to eliminate debt and change their lives forever every day. Now it’s your turn to take control.