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SaveWiseMAKE ROOM FOR WHAT MATTERS

Writing a clear repayment-support message

Explain the account reference, changed circumstance and payment you can realistically make. Ask for the available options and their written terms.

Illustration of reviewing borrowing documents
SaveWise editorial illustration

What to check

  • Evidence of the issue and an affordable proposal

Place the payment and your income on a calendar. If there is a gap, ask the provider about the existing agreement before making a new commitment.

A decision to avoid

Sending a vague request with no account reference or achievable plan.

Illustration of household budget planning
SaveWise editorial illustration

Your next action

  1. Explain the account reference, changed circumstance and payment you can realistically make. Ask for the available options and their written terms.
  2. Place the payment and your income on a calendar. If there is a gap, ask the provider about the existing agreement before making a new commitment.
  3. Keep the dated document or reference that supports the answer.

Questions about this decision

What should I check first?

Explain the account reference, changed circumstance and payment you can realistically make. Ask for the available options and their written terms.

Which information do I need for this decision?

Evidence of the issue and an affordable proposal.

Which mistake should I avoid here?

Sending a vague request with no account reference or achievable plan.

When should I review this decision?

Review it when the amount, date or condition you used changes. Keep the previous version so you can identify what changed.

How do I check evidence of the issue and an affordable proposal?

Locate the actual dated record for Evidence of the issue and an affordable proposal. Compare it with the other records in this checklist; ask the organisation responsible for any unexplained difference.

What should I do if a required detail is missing?

Mark it as unresolved. Ask for that precise detail before choosing; do not substitute an advertised example for your own document.

What is the next practical step?

Place the payment and your income on a calendar. If there is a gap, ask the provider about the existing agreement before making a new commitment.

How can I verify the explanation?

Use the documents listed above. Check quoted amounts and dates in the original record; use the official reference links for the organisation’s guidance.

Illustration of comparing everyday purchases

Put this guide into practice

Place the payment and your income on a calendar. If there is a gap, ask the provider about the existing agreement before making a new commitment.

Make the amount precise

Write down what you need to pay, what is already available and the remaining gap. For a purchase, keep the item price, delivery, installation and necessary extras separate. Use a dated quotation rather than an advertised starting price; record what that quotation includes.

Compare the whole repayment

Place two written quotes side by side using the same amount and payment dates. Record the money actually paid to you, each instalment, the total payable and charges outside the instalments. A smaller instalment alone does not answer which option costs less: the number of payments and separate charges also enter the calculation.

Match dates to your own records

Mark each due date against the dates of your expected income and existing bills. Keep food, transport, utilities and current repayments visible in the same calendar. If two payments would use the same money, revise the amount or timing before proceeding. This worksheet helps organise your information; it does not determine approval or replace the provider’s assessment.

Once those details are clear, use the provider links to check the product and application route. Before submitting documents, confirm the official website and its privacy information. Before accepting a quote, resolve missing dates, unexplained fees and any required cover with the provider in writing. Keep the final quote and payment schedule so you can compare them with later statements.

Estimate your repayments

Try your numbers before opening a provider website. This is an illustration, not a quote or an approval check.

Estimated monthly payment—
Total paid—
Cost above amount received—

Formula and assumptions

The monthly model assumes a fixed nominal annual rate divided by 12, payments at the end of each month and fees paid separately rather than financed. The days model uses simple interest and a 365-day year. Neither model calculates APR or verifies legal rate limits. Required insurance, other charges, late payments, changing rates and provider-specific rounding are excluded unless you include the applicable amounts. Do not count a charge twice. Results are rounded for display; your agreement may use another calculation.

CFPB: explanation of amortisation (general concept, not South African rules)