According to the household debt figures from the National Credit Regulator, many consumers are living beyond their means because they are, intera alia, buying non-essential goods on credit and purchasing vehicles that stretch them beyond their budgets. The result is that these debt-burdened consumers have very little disposable income to absorb interest rate increases and combat inflation. So what can you do to protect yourself?

Rudolf Mahoney, head of brand and communications at WesBank, South Africa's leading motor vehicle finance house,is ideally placed to help consumers understand how their credit profileswork– and to understand the impact of beingover-indebted. The aim, ultimately, is that this awareness will help youpreparefor a future with a healthier credit profile.

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How do credit profiles work?

Any consumer who has ever applied for credit will know that details such as proof of employment, marital status and properties owned are among those required to complete the process.

"Many people might not realise that they start building their credit profiles when they submit these details when applying for loans, credit cards or store accounts," says Mahoney. "From the moment they lodge an application their details are cross-checked with records at all of South Africa’s credit bureaus," he explains.

Credit profiles also contain important information on how we use credit and how we’ve managed our payments in the past. Consumers with a few accounts and who have always made their monthly instalments will be seen as less risky than people who struggle to stay within their budgets, miss payments and have multiple credit facilities that are maxed out.

"Each one of us who has ever used credit in any way will have a credit record that shows whether we have accounts at clothing stores, cell phone contracts, credit cards, car loans or overdrafts," says Mahoney. "In addition, our credit profiles also have information that helps banks to determine our financial stability. A married person who owns property, has a university degree, and has had their job for five years will be seen as more stable than an individual who regularly moves between rented properties and is employed on a contract basis."

Avoid being seen as a "high risk" credit candidate

To put it very simply, banksseek to minimise risk.

"If you are viewed as stable and financially responsible, you present a low risk to a bank. When applying for large loans, you are more likely to be granted credit because your profile shows that you’re prepared to live up to the commitment and make all payments on time. You could even be seen by the bank as a beneficial customer and offered lower interest rates, which means you could end up saving money on loan repayments," Mahoney advises.

But it can easily swing the other way…

"Conversely, if you have a history of missed payments and rely heavily on credit, you will be seen as a far higher risk by banks and lenders," Mahoney explains. "Current economic data shows that consumers spend up to 75% of their household income repaying debt, and because so many households rely on credit, the current economic conditions could have a disastrous effect on them."

Consider the unknown

With the rand losing value against international currencies the price of food, clothing and fuel are all rising. Price increases are eating into budgets and the little money that’s left – after paying credit instalments – will buy less food and fuel than in the past. This is also seen in the Reserve Bank’s forecast for food price inflation, which it expects to hit a high of 11% later this year. Interest rates are also on the rise. This year alone they’ve been hiked by 75 basis points, and it is expected that they will continue climbing until 2019.

"Without proper budgeting consumers could end up having to choose between spending on monthly groceries or servicing their loan repayments. To avoid this situation they need to structure a budget that allows for enough free cash to cover rising costs from inflation and interest rate hikes. This might mean cutting out non-essential costs to settle debts sooner. For example, if you see that your car loan instalments could become unmanageable in the near future, consider downsizing and trade in your existing car for one that will be more affordable," Mahoney advises.

Know your credit status

Mahoney would also recommendobtainingan annual credit report from one of the credit bureaus.

"These reports will have information about your existing commitments, as well as any payments you may have missed. With this information you can manage your credit profile by ensuring you settle all missed payments. If your monthly budget is already stretched to the limit this exercise will greatly benefit your credit record in the long run. You will give yourself breathing space and benefit hugely when the time comes to buy a house or new car."

Consumers will be pleased to know that a black mark needs not be permanent.

"It is important to remember that low credit scores can be improved," Mahoney says. "For example, by staying longer in a job and not job hopping, ensuring that all your repayments are made on time, limiting your use of credit, and working harder at being a better borrower with proven reliability, will all contribute to improving your credit score."

Useful contacts

Download yourfree credit report once a year from any credit bureau to keep track of their score. Details of South Africa’s credit bureaus are listed below. It is also a good idea to review ones credit accounts listed on the credit record and close down those that are no longer in use.

TransUnion

www.transunion.co.za

0861 482 482

Experian

www.experian.co.za

0861 10 56 65

Compuscan

www.compuscan.co.za

0861 51 41 31