As featured on Money Matters, Link FM | Interview with Mr. K and Casper le Grange (DCGsa)
When most people hear the words “debt review,” they immediately think of restrictions. No more credit, a flagged credit report, limited financial freedom. But what if the very things people see as disadvantages… are actually the key to your financial breakthrough?
In a recent Money Matters interview on Link FM, Mr. K sat down with Casper le Grange, veteran debt counsellor and founder of DCGsa, to challenge common perceptions about debt review and reveal the hidden advantages behind the so-called “downsides.”
❌ Disadvantage #1: “You can’t take more credit while under debt review.”
Casper’s Response: At first glance, yes, this sounds restrictive. But let’s paint a real picture: imagine you’re in a leaking boat, already filling with water (debt). Taking on more credit is like scooping more water into the boat and expecting it to float better.
Debt review doesn’t punish you—it protects you. It closes the tap, giving you time to regain control. You stop borrowing from Peter to pay Paul. For many, this is the first real breath of financial peace in years.
❌ Disadvantage #2: “It messes up your credit record.”
Casper’s Response: Yes, while you’re under debt review, your credit report reflects that you’re receiving assistance. But this isn’t a permanent label. Once your debt free plan is complete, you receive a Clearance Certificate—a formal document proving all your debts are settled or up to date.
This certificate removes the debt review flag from your credit profile. You get a fresh start—a reset.
In contrast, if you settle your debt outside of debt review (without a formal process), the record of late or missed payments can stay on your report for five years. If you’ve had judgments or legal action, that negative record can follow you for up to 30 years.
So ask yourself: which option truly offers rehabilitation?
🧠 Let’s Talk Mental Health and Money Stress
Mr. K asked:
“What about the mental load? The sleepless nights over school fees, groceries, rent, and all the loan payments?”
Casper guided listeners through a simple mental exercise:
Add it up – Tally all your debt repayments: cards, loans, store accounts.
Be honest – Can you keep going like this? Or are you topping up credit to survive?
Now imagine – You come to DCGsa. You get one reduced monthly payment. Interest and fees come down. Suddenly, your debt is shrinking.
And then—you finish paying it off.
That amount you thought of in step 1? It’s yours again.
💡 Visualise This: Your Money in 3 Piles
Casper breaks it down like this:
📦 Pile 1: DEBT
🍞 Pile 2: NEEDS (food, rent, school fees)
🎉 Pile 3: WANTS (holidays, treats, fun)
Right now, Pile 1 is the biggest for most people. But when debt review is done, that pile disappears. And guess what? Your Needs and Wants piles finally get room to grow.
You can cover your essentials. You can spoil your family without guilt. You can save, invest, and give. That’s freedom. That’s dignity restored.
🙌 Final Thoughts from Casper
“You don’t have to keep struggling in silence. We’re here to help you reset your financial future—without shame, without stress, and without more debt.”
📖 Financial Scripture of the Week
Proverbs 21:5 (NIV)
“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”
Let today be the day you make a diligent decision about your finances. And let DCGsa walk the journey with you.
💜 Find Us. Follow Us. Get Free.
We’re the purple debt counselling firm—you can’t miss us! Whether you live in East London, King William’s Town, Berea, Port Elizabeth, Queenstown—or anywhere in South Africa (even abroad!)—we can help.
How does a debt review assessment work? – Click here to find out more
Casper also wrote an article for Debt Counsellors Association on the same topic recently – read it here
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