Navigating Your Way to Debt Freedom: How Long Does It Really Take?

If you're under debt review or thinking about it, one of the biggest questions you probably have is: "How long will I be under debt review before I’m finally debt-free?" It's a fair question and in this blog, we’re breaking it down for you in simple terms based on our years of experience with helping South Africans through the process.

Understanding the Debt Review Process

Debt review is designed to help people who are over-indebted. It restructures your monthly payments and protects you from legal action by your creditors. It's a lifeline when the financial pressure gets too much.

So, how long does this process really take?

In most cases, debt review lasts between 3 to 5 years.
This period is based on a maximum repayment term that restructures your unsecured debt into manageable monthly instalments.
But ultimately, it depends on your debt, your income, and your payment behaviour.

The Type of Debt Matters: Unsecured vs Secured

The kind of debt you have will determine how long and how complicated your repayment journey will be. Here's a quick look at the two types:

Unsecured debt: This includes credit cards, overdrafts, personal loans. It’s not tied to any assets, and is usually what's handled under debt review.
Secured debt: Things like car loans or a bond on your home. These loans are 'secured' because they’re tied to a physical asset.

Your debt review plan is generally focused on your unsecured debt. Once these are settled, you can exit the process—even if you still have an active bond.

Two Types of People: Fast Trackers vs Minimum Payers

Through our experience at Debt Review Centre, we've noticed two main approaches when it comes to getting debt-free:

The "let's get this done" type: These clients throw in extra payments when they get bonuses or a little financial breathing room. They want out as soon as possible and prioritise freedom over frills.
The "slow and steady" type: These individuals prefer to pay the smallest amount they can each month, which means their process takes longer—often closer to the full five years.

There’s no wrong way, but knowing where you fall can help you plan smarter. Making a budget and sticking to it is crucial—whether you’re sprinting to the finish line or pacing yourself.

Strategies to Become Debt-Free Sooner

If you're eager to finish debt review faster, there are some smart moves you can make:

Escalate payments: Got a bonus or a tax refund? Instead of using it all on holidays or luxury items, consider using some of it to pay extra on your debt.
Cut unnecessary expenses: Reassess your monthly budget. Every rand counts when you're working toward freedom.
Stick to the repayment plan: Avoid missing payments—it just extends the process.

Basically, you’re in control. The more effort you put in, the quicker you'll be out of the woods.

What Happens When You Finish Debt Review?

There’s often confusion about what it means to “exit” debt review. Here’s the deal:

Once you’ve paid off all your unsecured debt, you’re officially out.
If you have a bond, you don’t have to stay under debt review until that’s done too. You'll go back to your normal bond repayments as per your original contract.

That moment when you make that last payment—there’s nothing quite like it. You’ll receive a clearance certificate that confirms you’re debt-free, and your credit record can start to breathe again.

Final Thoughts—Your Journey, Your Way

Becoming debt-free under the debt review process isn’t an overnight thing, but it's absolutely achievable—and worth it. Whether you’re blasting through repayments or taking a steady path, you’re making progress.

At Debt Review Centre, we’ve helped many South Africans reclaim their financial freedom. If you're still unsure about how it all works, or want to find strategies to speed up your process, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Remember: the road to debt freedom isn’t about how fast you go—it’s about staying the course.