Disadvantages of Debt Review | 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

On the surface, one of the most-cited disadvantages of debt review is that you can’t take out more credit. But think of it this way: If your finances were a sinking boat, would more water help? No. Debt review seals the leak.

Casper’s Insight:
Debt review is a legal mechanism designed to give you room to breathe. No more robbing Peter to pay Paul. No more credit traps. Just structured, reduced repayments that lead to real freedom.

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 Affects Your Credit Record

Another common concern in the list of disadvantages of debt review is its impact on your credit report. Yes, your status will reflect that you’re under debt review—but it’s temporary.

Casper explains:
Upon completion of your repayment plan, you receive a Clearance Certificate that removes the flag from your credit profile. You’re left with a clean slate.

Compare that to long-lasting damage from judgments or poor payment history when trying to manage debt without guidance—it’s clear which path leads to true rehabilitation

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:

  1. Add it up – Tally all your debt repayments: cards, loans, store accounts.

  2. Be honest – Can you keep going like this? Or are you topping up credit to survive?

  3. 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.

ass=”” data-start=”3547″ data-end=”3580″>🙌 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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