Debtfree Magazine March 2020 by Debtfree Magazine

EXCELLENCE IS DOING ORDINARY THINGS EXTRAORDINARILY WELL â&#x20AC;&#x201C; John W. Gardner

WHAT MAKES US EXCELLENT? / Unimpaired and automated PDA systems / Integration with top-ranked Debt Counsellor systems / Enhancing Debt Counsellor efficiency and sustainability / Best customer support in the country â&#x20AC;&#x201C; queries are resolved within 24 hours / Strong compliance and best-industry-practice implementation is at our centre

Call Chris van der Straaten Head of Hyphen PDA | 082 557 0437 Or call our friendly support centre on 011 303 0060 - Option 2 or visit our website www.hyphenpda.co.za

FROM THE EDITOR So, can we please talk about anything other than Covid-19? No, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be silly.. It is the only thing we are going to talk about. Between the virus and the steps taken to limit its spread the world looks different today than it did a few weeks ago. This is why the whole situation is scary. We hate change. Change is the worst. We like things to stay the same and things to be consistent. That said humans are amazing in that one of the primary qualities we have is the ability to adapt to our environment. You will find humans both in deserts and in the snow. From Hot islands to the highest mountains humans are able to adjust how they live to fit their environment.

In the next few weeks our environment is going to be our homes as the country goes into lockdown. This issue we will look at things to do to keep you busy as well as how to get the most out of remote work if you are able to do so. We also look at the biggest fear everyone has right now: How do I pay my bills? With people not earning over the next few weeks and very, very tough economic times to come everyone is freaking out. Those who are not in debt review are wondering how they could join debt review if they are not going to have any income and those who are already in debt review are wondering about what happens if they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make their normal payment now? As editor, I want to thank everyone who helps on our small team for continuing to make themselves available to produce the magazine. We have the fortunate set of circumstances that we are able to work online and are used to social distancing (being nerds). For some, nothing has changed. For others things are trickier. We hope that you, the reader, are in good health. We hope you stay that way. We hope that you are able to find some comfort in the information provided in this issue about what is going to happen with your debts and debt review. We also hope that the 21 day lockdown provides you with the chance to spend time with family, to do those pesky things you never got around to, to write that novel, to learn to play that instrument etc.

Starting: 6 April 2020 So, here we go. One day this lockdown will just be part of the story you tell others about when relating your journey to becoming debt free.

FROM THE EDITOR CONTINUED In the next few weeks our environment is going to be our homes as the country goes into lockdown. This issue we will look at things to do to keep you busy as well as how to get the most out of remote work if you are able to do so. We also look at the biggest fear everyone has right now: How do I pay my bills? With people not earning over the next few weeks and very, very tough economic times to come everyone is freaking out. Those who are not in debt review are wondering how they could join debt review if they are not going to have any income and those who are already in debt review are wondering about what happens if they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make their normal payment now? As editor, I want to thank everyone who helps on our small team for continuing to make themselves available to produce the magazine. We have the fortunate set of circumstances that we are able to work online and are used to social distancing (being nerds). For some, nothing has changed. For others things are trickier. We hope that you, the reader, are in good health. We hope you stay that way. We hope that you are able to find some comfort in the information provided in this issue about what is going to happen with your debts and debt review. We also hope that the 21 day lockdown provides you with the chance to spend time with family, to do those pesky things you never got around to, to write that novel, to learn to play that instrument etc. So, here we go. One day this lockdown will just be part of the story you tell others about when relating your journey to becoming debt free.

WHAT IF I CANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T PAY

REMOTE WORK

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

WHAT TO DO DURING LOCKDOWN

SERVICE DIRECTORY

DISCLAIMER Debtfree Magazine considers its sources reliable and verifies as much information as possible. However, reporting inaccuracies can occur, consequently readers using this information do so at their own risk. Debtfree Magazine makes content available with the understanding that the publisher is not rendering legal services or financial advice. Although persons and companies mentioned herein are believed to be reputable, neither Debtfree Magazine nor any of its employees, sales executives or contributors accept

any responsibility whatsoever for their activities. Debtfree Magazine contains material supplied to us by advertisers which does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Debtfree Magazine team. No person, organization or party can copy or re-produce the content on this site and/or magazine or any part of this publication without a written consent from the editorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; panel and the author of the content, as applicable. Debtfree Magazine, authors and contributors reserve their rights with regards to copyright of their work.

C O N T E N T S

We appear in the following courts and act as a correspondent for Dc’s and their attorneys. ATLANTIS BELLVILLE GOODWOOD CALEDON CAPE TOWN WYNBERG CERES GRABOUW

HOPEFILED KHAYELITSHA KUILSRIVER MALEMSBURY MITCHELLS PLAIN MOORREESBURG PAARL PIKETBERG

ROBERTSON SIMON’S TOWN SOMERSET WEST STELLENBOSCH STRAND TULBAGH WELLINGTON WORCESTER

Please contact adri@kempdebruyn.co.za to enquire about our fees.   

+27 (21) 200 5644 adri@kempdubruyn.co.za 21 Station Street, Paarl, 7646

DEBT REVIEW LESSON 1

Due to Covid-19 the NCR announced: No business days shall be counted during the period of lockdown and all days will be extended by such duration. Therefore, if a process is in day 3 when the lockdown commences, day 4 will only be counted the day after the lockdown is lifted.

WHAT IF I CANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T PAY?

South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

leading Debt Counsellors since 2007

Start getting out of debt today! www.creditmatters.co.za Call our national call centre on

086 111 6197

WHAT IF I CAN’T PAY?

INTRODUCTION So, since Covid-19 began to impact on the way people move around and where they go to shop and what they buy (yes, you with all those toilet rolls in your trolley – I see you) all businesses began to feel the effects of people spending less money. Unless you were selling hand sanitizer and face masks you business probably began to see a drop off in sales, less people through the doors and less turn over. Scared people tend to be more conservative. One only has to look to the JSE and other stock exchanges to see how this was true as investors began to shift their funds. In just days the markets took a nose dive that has seldom been seen since their inception. The price war between the oil producing giants also didn’t help. So, with less turn over and less income business owners have begun letting staff go. The UN says to expect 25 million layoffs or more in the weeks ahead. With less income and now a 21 day lockdown in effect which will cut off income for most in the country you may wonder: how will I be able to pay my debts or debt review?

WHAT IF I CANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T PAY?

GOVERNMENT EFFORTS TO HELP South Africa is not well off economically to start with. Government debt has sky rocketed and the state capturing looting of the coffers has made things exponentially worse. Budget wise SA is over indebted and simply cannot afford to pay all its debts and still provide its citizens with the services they need. Because there are so many unemployed people and because citizens are not earning a lot SARS has not been collecting what is needed. And that was before the current crisis.

Now, with the national lockdown and Covid-19 playing total havoc with the economy, it has become clear that citizens are going to need significant assistance to keep the machine turning. Several proactive steps have been announced to help mitigate the worst of the fall out including: Cutting the Repo Rate. This makes it easier to deal with existing debts. More cuts may follow. In some countries they have dropped the rate by 3 base points already. An emergency National Disaster Benefit Fund which will distribute R30 Billion from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) to help qualifying employees whose salaries will be impacted during the lockdown. A figure of R3500 has been mentioned for up to 3 months. The challenge will naturally be processing and evaluating all the applications. There will be a R500 wage subsidy for those earning R6500 or less a month. Companies can expect numerous small tax breaks in the weeks ahead like paying less PAYE (20% less). For businesses with a turnover of less than R50 Million a year they will be able to delay tax payments for several months. Employees who fall sick due to Covid-19 at work will be able to claim through the compensation fund.

WHAT IF I CANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T PAY?

WHAT THE BANKS ARE DOING Everyone owes the banks some money. So, you may wonder what steps the banks are taking during this time. Standard Bank was the first to announce that they would be providing a global opt out 3 month payment holiday for small businesses whose accounts are in good standing. Businesses are welcome to pay their installments but do not have to if they cannot afford to do so. The other banks soon began to follow suit and some, like Nedbank, have asked their clients to call in and ask for debt relief. Consumers with bonds and vehicles are also being encouraged to reach out to their banks to arrange reduced or delayed payments. It is possible that the banks might suggest speaking to a Debt Counsellor for advice. Remember if you lose your job due to retrenchments you can make claims on your credit life insurance. You can claim and if you have retrenchment cover built in (most do) then.

WHAT IF I CAN’T PAY?

WHY ARE THE BANKS BEING SO NICE? The banks quickly realized that everyone is going to be defaulting on their payments anyway. They want to help keep their clients in the normal banking space and do not want to have to sue every client they have for missing payments. Can you imagine trying to convince a Judge to punish people for missing payments due to Covid-19? That’s not very likely to be successful. Though they will be missing some months of “normal” payments they may be able to claim some insurance on these accounts (probably) and have said that they are still going to be adding the interest accrued and fees back into the debt calculations down the line. So, don’t worry, they will still make their money.

WHAT IF I CANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T PAY?

CAN I STILL START DEBT REVIEW WITH LIMITED INCOME DUE TO THE LOCKDOWN & COVID-19?

If your business is under severe strain and you feel like your income is going to be very low for the foreseeable future and already up to your neck in debt then you should seriously consider debt review. But if you have no funds in the weeks ahead due to the lockdown you may wonder how can you pay for the debt review? The various banks have already said that if people apply for debt review in the weeks ahead they should simply send proof of how the lockdown and Covid-19 have affected their income. This will allow Debt Counsellors to make proposals which fall somewhat out of the norm such as several months with little or no payment before regular realistic payments start.

WHAT IF I CAN’T PAY?

WHAT IF I CAN’T PAY MY DEBT REVIEW? If you have already been in debt review for some time then you are probably pretty happy that you have been chipping away at your debts over time. They have been getting smaller for some time and now you may worry that all that progress might be lost due to Covid-19 and the lockdown killing your income. Don’t Panic.

Many of the banks have already told Debt Counsellors that if their clients are having problems due to the current crisis they can send in a Form 17.3 (a industry made up form, about a change in consumer circumstances). The banks will then try to cut consumers some slack and payment holidays or reduced payments can be arranged much like for those outside of debt review. It is anticipated that nearly everyone may apply for such relief. What is required of consumers is that they provide some documentation to show how Covid-19 and the Lockdown affected their income. This could be a letter from an employer or accountant showing the reduced income. The banks have also told Debt Counsellors that they are easing their strict rules on kicking people out of debt review the moment they miss a payment. They anticipate that most people will miss a payment at some point in the near future. Most consumers will receive an almost normal paycheck this month so, it might be best to try make your normal payment this month if possible to show good faith. A part payment is definitely better than no payment. The key is to talk to your Debt Counsellor (most are working through the lockdown from home). Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just skip payments and not reach out to them. The sooner they know that you need help and you send them proof of the problem, the sooner they can assist you.

DEBT REVIEW LESSON 2

Due to the lockdown the NCR announced: The 5 business days for distribution of debit order collections by the PDAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s will be extended to 20 business days to mitigate any potential losses to the PDAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s over this period.

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF

REMOTE WORK SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS ALL WORK AND NO PLAY WORK NOT JUST PLAY

GET ACCESS TO EXPERT LEGAL ADVICE & SAVE MONEY WHILE IN DEBT REVIEW Welcome to Legal Alliance Worldwide (L.A.W.), a unique legal firm with a dynamic team headed by our senior attorney, who has been practising for 23 years. Our primary goal is to make legal advice and support more accessible and affordable to those that are not able to access costly lawyers. Our attorney network extends throughout most of South Africa and our online platform ensures that assistance can be rendered regardless of location.

www.legal-alliance.co.za

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF REMOTE WORK

INTRODUCTION Due to the threat of Covid-19 spread many companies recently began to look at ways for more of their staff to begin working remotely. This involved sending those who were already able to home and then getting used to conference software etc. With the 21 Day lockdown nationwide announced just days before it came into effect, there was a mad scramble for companies to try get as many of their staff set up. Remote work will be the norm for many during the break and perhaps for some time after as caution over the virus continues. So, how do you get the most out of your day when you are suddenly working remotely?

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF REMOTE WORK

SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS Remote work is not new. The technology used to support remote work now is better than ever before. We are talking about things a little more sophisticated than Whatsapp and email here. Yes, even more than Skype calls. There are many software packages out there that help you plan and track work done by your team when working remotely. There are things like Trello and Wrike. These programs allow everyone working on the same project to add notes, share progress and indicate then they have finished their portion of the project. Banks and Debt Counsellors have fancy software provided by the system providers associated with the various PDAs that help track consumerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cases. One of the biggest dangers with remote work is that team members can begin to feel isolated. This is where video conferencing software is helpful. With popular programs like Zoom (which has both free and paid versions) you can hold group sessions to brainstorm, chat and share ideas.

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF REMOTE WORK

ALL WORK AND NO PLAY Some companies find it helpful to have a group social chat first thing in the day or at tea time to keep everyone close. No business talk allowed, just chatting about personal stuff or the news. You could give the other team members a tour of your workspace or introduce them to your cat. Some remote work teams even do team building exercises over conferencing software. This will be particularly important during the lockdown and self isolating as people thrive on social interaction. Happy workers do more work. If your company does not already have something like this, then why not suggest it?

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF REMOTE WORK

WORK NOT JUST PLAY If you recently began to work remotely from home, perhaps with the kids running around in the background, then here are some tips to help you get the most out of your work day. Have a formal sit down with the family and explain that you are actually at work when in front of the computer. You will need their help to reduce noise and not to constantly interrupt your work. If you can, establish a quiet place to work from. Get rid of the clutter and keep it clean. Have a set time schedule for work. Work during set hours that everyone in the home knows. Perhaps print out the schedule and display it. Take scheduled breaks. If you stare at a computer all day and sit in the same chair hour after hour it is bad for your health. They say to look at something 20 meters away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes to avoid eye strain common with computer work. Take a break and interact with the family (so, they do not feel ignored) and then head back to carry on. Make sure you have your tea breaks and lunch time. Do not just work, work, work. You will find your productivity will drop off if you do.

Remember that when you speak to someone face to face you give off dousens of small visual and verbal clues as to the tone of what you are saying. When working remotely beware of sending short messages with no context which could be misunderstood by your collegues. This is especially important when sharing constructive feedback. This is normally best done in a video chat rather than an email. Make sure that everyone on the team gets heard especially in group chats. The chairperson should check in with each participant to help reinforce that everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts and opinions are important. Take time to commend your colleagues on work that has been well done. They will appreciate your appreciation.

One of the secrets about remote work is how productive people can be when they focus exclusively on their work and are not distracted by the usual goings on in an office. Remote work does have its challenges but with some additional effort up front you can create a good work environment and great team spirit.

Take Back Control Of Your Finances We provide a remedy specifically for over-indebted consumers which involves restructuring of debt payments, lowering interest rates and fees and lengthening payment terms. Debt Counselling could be the best gift you give yourself.

Call 087 237 7874 today! 2018 Debt Review Awards

WINNER

2018 Debt Review Awards

WINNER

DebtBusters voted SA’s BEST ‘National Debt Councellor’at the 2018: Debt Review Awards - for the 3rd consecutive year! Consumer Debt Help voted SA’s BEST ‘Large Debt Councellor’ at the 2018: Debt Review Awards - for the 5th consecutive year!

Proudly part of the Intelligent Debt Management (IDM) Group

DEBT REVIEW LESSON 3

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t assume that you qualify to pay less or skip payments during the lockdown. Speak to your Debt Counsellor first for all the facts. You may only qualify next month.

OPEN FOR BUSINESS As the national lockdown comes into full effect many in the industry are wondering who is open for business and will their debt review matters be seen to? Here are some of the credit providers who have communicated plans to service their clients and Debt Counsellors during the shutdown.

BANKS ABSA - Available African Bank - Available Capitec - Available FNB - Most staff working remotely Nedbank - Available Standard Bank - Available with some reduced staff

CREDIT PROVIDERS Consume Friend - DreX portal and via email Old Mutual - Available on email and 50% on phone SA Home Loans - Full operations Finchoice & Homechoice - Skelton staff via email only

PAYMENT DISTRIBUTION AGENCIES CollectNet - Available on Email & Phone DC Partner PDA - Available (with some reduced staff) Hyphen PDA - Available as normal Intuitive (NPDA) - Available via email & incoming calls

SOFTWARE Bitech - Available Finwise - Available Maximus - Available

INSURANCE ONE - Full capacity Meliorleaf - Full capacity

NCR Only some members of the NCR team will be available via email.

THINGS TO DO WHILE

UNDER LOCKDOWN Socialise more with friends and family via the internet or phone

Dance on Your Balcony or in the garden

Exercise (remember not to over do it on day one and two)

Get some quiet time for yourself (especially if your house is full)

Complete an online study course

Play online games (there are many free ones)

While one important thing you must not do is go out and socialize there are many fun and beneficial things you can do to help the time pass while under lockdown.

Finally write that novel you have been planning for years

Rearrange your furniture

Repairs and Maintenance

Have fun with the kids. Host a picnic in the lounge. Organize a mini Olympics indoors and read bedtime stories.

Bake something

Read a book

What if...

YOUR CLIENT’S VEHICLE IS STOLEN OR WRITTEN OFF?

Is he really insured, and if so, properly? Could the insurer repudiate the claim because of his debt review status? As he cannot borrow, how does he replace his vehicle? Since he can’t get more credit, how does he replace his vehicle?

Meliorleaf is the first and only specialist in insuring the assets of people in debt review. We genuinely protect your clients… in partnership with you.

CALL US NOW 010 141 2799 | www.meliorleaf.co.za

MAXIMISING INSURANCE RELATED INCOME

PARTNERSHIPS How Meliorleaf partnerships with Debt Counsellors work. We keep you advised regarding your clients to ensure they are covered properly and remain covered. We remunerate you, ongoing, for what you choose to do: Some debt counsellors want to be actively involved in arranging and managing insurance relationships, and we fairly share commissions earned Some debt counsellors are also registered Financial Services Providers. They can advise clients and provide a full broking service, and are entitled to earn the full commission But, Meliorleaf understands that some debt counsellors cannot or do not want to be actively involved. However, they do want their clients to be properly insured: For these debt counsellors, Meliorleaf can provide a fully outsourced turnkey solution. What’s more, we will still provide you with ongoing remuneration on all active policies.

Are you interested in partnering with Meliorleaf? Call Sean or Elmarie today on 010 141 2799 CALL US NOW 010 141 2799 | www.meliorleaf.co.za

PROFESSIONAL DEBT COUNSELLING ATTORNEYS TEL: 021 872 1968 1 1 M A R K E T S T R E E T, PA A R L w w w. s t e y n c o e t z e e . c o . z a

INDUSTRY EVENT

DEBT REVIEW AWARDS 2020 Please note that the date of the Debt Review Awards Gala in Cape Town has been shifted from July to September 2020 due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. In exciting news additional guests will now be able to attend via our online platform. This means we can accept guests from all over SA. If you or your team would like to attend remotely please contact us for more info. We hope everyone stays safe during The Lockdown.

If you would like to attend please contact debtreviewawards2020@debtfreedigi.co.za

Debt Counsellors Collective

We encourage all NCR registered DCs who are not currently affiliated with an association to join so that you can have the opportunity to influence decisions taken by the NCR (and at CIF). For Enquiries Contact: alanm@moneyclinic.co.za

We hope everyone stays safe during the lockdown

www.allprodc.org

Thank you to all front line essential service workers during the lockdown

Meeting Schedule E Cape - 13th May 2020 (PE) Free State - 8 May 2020

NDCA are ready to help consumers who are

Gauteng - 20 May 2020

struggling with debt.

KZN - 15th May 2020

Visit our site for more

W Cape - 19th May 2020

information

Dates may change or meetings may be held online. www.dcasa.co.za

QUESTION Have you ever thought of how important it is to keep your clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s information backed up? ANSWER The impact of losing information even for a days production could have a huge impact on your business. With Maximus your information is automatically backed up to the cloud for your convenience and peace of mind.

donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be a twit

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All professionals have professional indemnity if the unforeseen happens. Do you as a professional Debt Counselor have professional indemnity as stipulated by the ethical code?

086 111 2882

TELEPHONE 0861 112 882 FACSIMILE 086 605 9751 MOBILE 082 449 6856 EMAIL andre@in2insurance.co.za

www.in2insurance.co.za

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