Avoid festive overspending to beat 'Januworry'

THE National Credit Regulator (NCR) is calling on all consumers to exercise strict financial caution during the festive season to avoid starting 2026 overwhelmed by debt and financial distress.

- STAFF REPORTER

With approximately 10 million South Africans already over-indebted, the organisation has warned that impulsive spending, social pressures, and easy access to credit continue to push many households into unsustainable financial situations.

The NCR noted that although the South African Reserve Bank's recent 25 basis-point repo rate reduction to 6.75% may provide short-term relief, consumers should not misinterpret this as a licence for miscalculated spending.

"Each year, thousands of consumers begin January already burdened with unpaid debt, school expenses, and increased living costs, often worsened by festive overspending," said Lynette De Beer, Interim Chief Executive Officer at the NCR.