Where to get free financial counselling

Money worries can feel isolating, but you do not have to figure it out on your own. There are free, reliable places to get real help.

What it is

Financial counselling is professional guidance to help you understand your financial situation and make a plan to manage it, whether that means budgeting, dealing with debt, or planning for the future. Unlike a sales agent trying to sell you a product, a good financial counsellor's role is to help you see your options clearly and choose what fits your circumstances. Several free or low-cost, credible options exist in South Africa, alongside paid professional advice for those who want it.

Signs to notice

It is worth seeking financial counselling if:

• You are unsure where your money goes each month, or budgeting feels impossible to stick to.
• You are receiving calls from creditors or debt collectors.
• You are considering taking on new debt to pay off existing debt.
• Money stress is affecting your sleep, mood, or relationships.
• You want to plan for a major life change, such as a new baby, retrenchment, or retirement, but do not know where to start.

What helps

• Start with your employee benefits. Many EAP programmes, including Cleared Mind, offer access to financial wellness support or referrals as part of your benefit.
• Registered debt counsellors, regulated by the National Credit Regulator, can assess your debt and, where appropriate, arrange debt review to make repayments more manageable.
• Nonprofit consumer credit and financial literacy organisations offer free budgeting guidance and education.
• Your bank may offer a free financial wellness consultation or budgeting tools through its app.
• Community advice offices and legal aid clinics can assist with debt-related legal questions at low or no cost.
• Be cautious of anyone offering to "clear your debt" for an upfront fee without being registered with the National Credit Regulator, as this is a common scam.

When to reach out for help

Reach out sooner rather than later. Financial counselling is most helpful before a crisis, but it is never too late to ask for support, even if things already feel very difficult.

Getting help in South Africa

Cleared Mind's EAP counsellors can connect you to appropriate financial wellness resources and support you with the stress that financial difficulty often brings. Search the National Credit Regulator's website for a registered debt counsellor near you, and ask your HR department what financial wellness benefits are already included in your workplace package.