As South Africans, many of us dream of a stress-free retirement, but the reality is, most of us are struggling just to stay afloat. According to the 2025 Old Mutual Savings and Investment Monitor, close to half of South Africans are highly concerned about their debt. And, 1 in 2 people are not confident they have enough for retirement savings.
The biggest threat to your future isn’t just a lack of savings—it’s debt.
At Meerkat, we believe that getting out of debt is one of the most powerful retirement strategies you can choose. Here’s why entering debt review with Meerkat could help protect your future—and get you back on track financially, today.
South Africans Are Drowning in Debt—and Tapping into Their Futures
Old Mutual’s findings paint a stark picture. Household debt is climbing, and 54% of respondents said they’ve already tapped into their savings just to make ends meet. What’s more, people are living in survival mode: borrowing from friends and family, juggling credit cards, and falling behind on accounts.
All of this takes a toll—not just on your peace of mind, but on your long-term financial health. When you pull from your retirement fund to cover short-term needs, you’re robbing your future self.
The good news? There’s a better way forward.
Debt Review Helps You Regain Control Without Touching Your Retirement Savings
Debt review (also known as debt counselling) is a regulated process that helps South Africans who are struggling with debt—but who still have a steady income—restructure what they owe, reduce their monthly payments, and regain control.
When you choose to go into debt review with Meerkat:
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We negotiate with your credit providers to reduce your monthly instalments by up to 50%
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We work to bring your interest rates down—sometimes dramatically
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We consolidate your debt into one affordable monthly repayment
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You are protected from legal action and harassment by creditors
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You don’t need to touch your pension or retirement savings
Debt review is about creating breathing room so you can keep your savings intact, reduce stress, and plan for a better financial future.
Real People. Real Results.
Take Johan, a Meerkat client who was heading toward retirement while drowning in debt. He was paying more than R13,000 per month toward multiple credit providers—barely making a dent due to sky-high interest rates.
After entering debt review with Meerkat, his monthly repayments were slashed by 45%, and his interest rate dropped from 21.56% to just 0.09%. Johan is now set to be completely debt-free by June 2028—without having to sacrifice his retirement nest egg.
Why Debt Review Is a Retirement Strategy
Most people think retirement planning means saving more. And while saving is vital, what’s just as important is not losing what you’ve already built. If you’re dipping into your pension to stay on top of bills, you’re setting yourself back by years.
Here’s how debt counselling becomes your secret weapon for retirement:
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It protects your retirement savings by helping you manage debt more affordably
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It builds your financial resilience by freeing up cash and lowering stress
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It gives you a clean slate, making it easier to start saving again—this time, consistently
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It keeps you from falling further into the debt trap, which only worsens with time
And at Meerkat, we don’t just help you get out of debt—we help you stay out. Once your debt review is complete, we’ll help you set up an emergency fund so you never have to rely on credit again.
Choosing Meerkat Means Choosing Your Future
We’re one of South Africa’s top-rated debt counselling companies for a reason. With thousands of success stories, a team of dedicated financial experts, and a holistic approach that looks beyond just the numbers, Meerkat helps you take back control—without sacrificing your future.
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by debt and worried about retirement, now is the time to act. You don’t need to keep surviving month to month. You don’t need to drain your pension. You just need a plan—and a team that has your back.