Junk status will boost inflation
Downgrade can reduce consumers’ disposable income
A RATINGS downgrade to “junk status” by agencies could spell bad news for South African consumers, say experts. . Clif Johnston, vice-chairman of the South African National Consumer Union (Sancu) said while South Africa was still waiting …Read More
Fuel relief for consumers?
Rand price of oil has fallen nearly 15% since recent peak in May
CONSUMERS could benefit from the stronger rand with the price of fuel set to drop significantly next month. However, this could be offset by other inflationary costs, say experts.
Petrol is …Read More
Biggest red meat price hike looms
South Africans should prepare themselves for the biggest price hike in the cost of red meat later this year as inflation and the drought take their toll, warn experts.
Although red meat prices are stable at the moment, consumers should prepare for double-digit …Read More
Managing higher food prices
Substituting pricey goods with cheaper ones can ease the strain
THE BARRAGE of bad news can be overwhelming: hikes in fuel prices, food and electricity; the drought; fluctuating rand; high unemployment; a likely economic downgrade; and almost no economic growth.
It costs more to …Read More
Crackdown on loan sharks
Regulator’s moves to sanction ‘unscrupulous’ credit providers are welcomed by experts
Joseph Booysen
BUSINESS REPORTER joseph.booysen@inl.co.za
EXPERTS have welcomed the National Credit Regulator’s referral of “unscrupulous” credit providers who extended credit recklessly to consumers.
The regulator announced on Friday that it has referred 13 credit providers …Read More
Consumers warned to tighten their belts
Weak rand, drought, high food and elecricity costs make for difficult year
A BLEAK year lies ahead for consumers with the weak rand, a possible rate increase this month, a drought and soaring food and electricity costs.
Clif Johnston, the vice-chairman of the South …Read More
Festive joy’s only for a few
Consumers warned: with price increases on horizon, don’t buy what you can’t afford
THE WESTERN Cape’s festive season is likely to see a mixed bag of results with low consumer confidence and over-indebted- ness leading to moderate retail sales, but the province’s tourism …Read More
My Studies Have Left Me In Debt Of R223 000
Students joining the newly employed knee deep in loans
GRADUATES who have recently joined the ranks of employment are drowning in debt. Some say they are “knee deep” in student loans and are struggling “to pay back the money”.
PICTURE: DAVID RITCHIE
FINANCIAL BURDEN: Elizabeth …Read More
Rise In Under-25s Struggling To Pay Off Tertiary Education
A GROWING number of young people are battling to cope with debt, mostly to pay for their tertiary education, say experts.
Ian Wason, chief executive of local debt management firm, DebtBusters, said the country already had a poor-savings culture but this was perpetuated …Read More
Cost of tertiary education ‘a struggle’
Cape Town – A growing number of young people are battling to cope with debt, mostly to pay for their tertiary education, say experts.
Ian Wason, chief executive of local debt management firm, DebtBusters, said the country already had a poor-savings culture but …Read More