Living Debt Free
Debt Counselling
#14
Rank
6.0/10
Our Score
How we rate
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Debt Counselling Terms
Min Debt
Any amount
Process Length
36–60 months
Initial Fee
NCR-regulated
Monthly Fee
NCR-regulated
NCR Number
NCRDC384
Services Offered
- ✓Debt Review
- ✓Debt Counselling
- ✓Structured Repayment Plans
- ✓Credit Clearance Certificates
- ✓Financial Advice
Top Loans from Our Experts
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- ✓ Kevin Russell has held NCR registration (NCRDC384) since at least 2008, reflecting well over 15 years of active debt counselling experience.
- ✓ Operates under the full framework of the National Credit Act, providing clients with immediate legal protection from creditor action once the Section 86 application is filed.
- ✓ All debt counsellor and Payment Distribution Agent (PDA) fees are NCR-regulated and included within the client's single monthly repayment, with no hidden charges payable outside that amount.
- ✓ A free initial consultation and an online budget calculator allow potential clients to gauge their position before committing to the process.
- ✓ Clients receive a Form 19 clearance certificate upon completion, which removes the debt review flag from their credit profile at all major credit bureaus.
- ✓ Consistent client testimonials highlight professionalism, empathy, and ongoing support throughout what can be a lengthy and emotionally challenging process.
- ✓ Joint applications for married-in-community-of-property couples are accommodated, ensuring legal compliance for both spouses.
Disadvantages
- ✗ The full debt review process typically takes between 36 and 60 months, meaning clients must commit to a multi-year repayment programme.
- ✗ While under debt review, clients cannot access any new credit facilities or use existing credit accounts, which significantly limits financial flexibility.
- ✗ The debt review flag is recorded at all credit bureaus for the full duration of the process, which can affect rental applications and other financial dealings.
- ✗ Once the formal Section 86 process has commenced, withdrawal is not permitted unless all debts are settled in full or a court declares the consumer no longer over-indebted.
- ✗ All credit agreements must be included in the debt review, with no option to exclude individual accounts.
- ✗ No publicly available customer review scores were found on third-party platforms at the time of writing, making independent sentiment verification difficult.
- ✗ Specific fee amounts (such as the restructuring fee or the monthly aftercare percentage) are not published on the website, so prospective clients need to confirm these during the consultation.
About Living Debt Free
Living Debt Free is a South African debt counselling service led by Kevin Russell, a registered debt counsellor holding NCR registration number NCRDC384. Operating since 2008 and based in Springs, Gauteng, the practice has guided hundreds of over-indebted South Africans through the formal debt review process governed by the National Credit Act 34 of 2005 (NCA). The service focuses on restructuring existing debt obligations into a single, affordable monthly repayment, while providing immediate legal protection against creditor action under Section 86 of the NCA.
Living Debt Free offers a range of debt relief services including formal Debt Review, Debt Counselling, Structured Repayment Plans, and assistance with Credit Clearance Certificates upon successful completion. A detailed budget calculator on their website allows prospective clients to assess their financial position before booking a free consultation, making it easier to understand whether debt review is an appropriate step.
The team is headed by an experienced, long-standing practitioner with over 15 years in the field, supported by staff who are described by clients as professional, empathetic, and genuinely committed to achieving financial freedom. For South Africans feeling overwhelmed by multiple creditor obligations, Living Debt Free positions itself as a structured and legally compliant path back to financial stability.
How Does Living Debt Free Work?
The process begins with a free consultation during which Kevin Russell conducts a full affordability assessment of the client's income, living expenses, and existing debt obligations. A Form 17.1 is issued to notify all credit providers and credit bureaus that the consumer has applied for debt review, triggering immediate legal protection under the NCA. The debt counsellor then negotiates a restructured repayment proposal with all creditors, which is formalised through a consent order or magistrates court order, consolidating obligations into a single reduced monthly payment distributed to creditors via a registered Payment Distribution Agent (PDA). Once all debts are settled, or the only remaining debt is a mortgage bond, a Form 19 clearance certificate is issued and the debt review listing is removed from the client's credit profile.
Requirements
- South African resident with a valid South African identity document.
- Regular, verifiable source of income (employment salary, pension, rental income, or similar).
- Demonstrable over-indebtedness, meaning monthly debt repayments and living expenses exceed total monthly income.
- Comprehensive list of all current credit agreements and creditor account details.
- Recent payslips or proof of income for all contributing household members.
- Recent bank statements (typically three months) to support the affordability assessment.
- If married in community of property, both spouses must apply jointly and provide the above documentation for each individual.
Who Is Living Debt Free Best For?
Living Debt Free is best suited to South African consumers who earn a regular income but can no longer meet their combined monthly debt repayments across multiple creditors, including bonds, vehicle finance, credit cards, store accounts, and personal loans. It is particularly relevant for individuals who have received Section 129 notices, are facing the threat of legal action from creditors, or feel trapped in a cycle of minimum payments with no clear end in sight. The service is designed for those who are committed to a structured, legally protected repayment plan and are prepared to abstain from new credit while working towards full financial recovery.
Is Living Debt Free Safe & Legit?
Living Debt Free is operated by Kevin Russell, registered with the National Credit Regulator under number NCRDC384, as required by the National Credit Act 34 of 2005. NCR registration means the debt counsellor is bound by regulated fee structures, standardised NCA processes, and ongoing compliance obligations overseen by the regulator. Consumers who enter debt review under a registered counsellor receive immediate statutory protection from creditor legal action, and all payments to creditors are processed through a registered Payment Distribution Agent, providing an additional layer of financial accountability.
Registered Credit Provider (NCR)
Our Full Review
Living Debt Free is a boutique debt counselling practice founded in 2008 and led by Kevin Russell (NCRDC384), operating out of Springs in Gauteng. With more than 15 years of active practice under the National Credit Act, the service has built a track record of assisting hundreds of over-indebted South Africans in restructuring their debt obligations and ultimately exiting the debt review process with a clean credit profile. The practice is small enough to offer a personalised, relationship-driven service, with clients frequently referencing Kevin and his colleague Marlene by name in their feedback.
The debt review process at Living Debt Free follows the formal NCA Section 86 framework. After a free initial consultation and a comprehensive income and expenditure assessment, the debt counsellor files a Form 17.1 with all credit providers and credit bureaus, immediately placing the client under legal protection. A Form 17.2 is then issued confirming over-indebtedness, and a structured repayment proposal is negotiated with all creditors. This proposal is made legally binding through a consent order or court order. Clients make a single monthly payment to a registered Payment Distribution Agent, which then distributes funds to each creditor according to the agreed plan. The practice also provides guidance on responding to Section 129 notices and manages all creditor communication on behalf of the client.
All fees charged by Living Debt Free are regulated by the National Credit Regulator and are incorporated into the client's affordable monthly repayment. No fees are charged outside of this amount. The NCR sets caps on restructuring fees and monthly aftercare fees, protecting consumers from exploitation. While the website does not publish specific fee schedules, the FAQ section clearly confirms that clients pay nothing additional beyond their monthly installment, which is an important reassurance for consumers who are already financially stretched.
Client feedback available on the Living Debt Free website is consistently positive. Testimonials describe relief from sleepless nights, restored financial confidence, and gratitude for the empathy and professionalism of the team. Several reviewers specifically highlight the emotional support provided throughout what can be a long and stressful process, with one client noting that they approached Kevin with fear and shame before finding genuine relief. Another client who had experienced business difficulties praised the team for helping them exit debt review and shed the associated credit bureau listing. No independent third-party review scores were available at the time of writing, which is worth noting for consumers who prefer externally verified ratings.
Overall, Living Debt Free presents as a credible, experienced, and NCR-compliant debt counselling option for over-indebted South Africans. The combination of long-standing NCR registration, a transparent NCA-aligned process, regulated fees, and genuine client advocacy makes it a solid consideration for anyone facing unmanageable debt. Prospective clients should note that debt review is a significant, multi-year commitment with real credit profile implications, and should use the free consultation and the practice's budget calculator to fully understand the process before proceeding.
Contact Living Debt Free
Frequently Asked Questions
What services does Living Debt Free offer?
Living Debt Free offers formal Debt Review under Section 86 of the National Credit Act, Debt Counselling, Structured Repayment Plans, and assistance obtaining a Form 19 clearance certificate upon successful completion of the debt review process. The practice also provides general financial guidance and credit profile advice.
Is Living Debt Free registered with the NCR?
Yes. Living Debt Free is led by Kevin Russell, who holds National Credit Regulator registration number NCRDC384. NCR registration is a legal requirement for any debt counsellor operating in South Africa under the National Credit Act 34 of 2005.
How long does the debt review process take?
The duration depends on the total amount of debt and the client's affordable monthly repayment. Most clients complete the process within 36 to 60 months. Clients whose financial situation improves can increase their monthly payment, which can shorten the overall timeline.
What fees does Living Debt Free charge?
All fees are regulated by the National Credit Regulator and are included within the client's single affordable monthly repayment. No additional fees are charged outside of that installment. Specific fee amounts are confirmed during the free initial consultation.
Can I take out new credit while under debt review?
No. Once you are formally under debt review, you cannot apply for or use any new credit facilities. This restriction is a statutory requirement of the NCA process and is intended to ensure your repayment plan remains achievable and your focus stays on clearing existing obligations.
What happens when I complete the debt review?
Once all your debts are settled, or your home loan is the only remaining obligation, your debt counsellor issues a Form 19 clearance certificate. This certificate is sent to all major credit bureaus, which removes the debt review flag from your credit profile and restores your ability to access credit responsibly.
What is a Section 129 notice and should I be worried if I receive one?
A Section 129 notice is a formal written warning issued by a credit provider when you have fallen behind on repayments. It is a required step before a creditor can take legal action under the NCA. Receiving one does not prevent you from applying for debt review. You should forward it to your debt counsellor immediately so they can manage the account and ensure it is included in your protection.
Does my spouse need to apply for debt review too?
If you are married in community of property, both spouses must apply for debt review together as a joint application. This is a legal requirement because both parties share the same estate and are equally responsible for the debts within it.