Household Debt Rate Management in a Credit Economy: An Empirical Review of South African Context

Abstract

Purpose:The purpose of this paper was to ensure that household debt burden is minimised, and savings provision is made to smoothen future household expenses, practical household management knowledge needs to be acquired to manage these challenges most especially in a country that practices credit economy like South Africa. Methodology: This study was conducted on this context to ascertain a practical knowledge model for household debt management in a credit economy with a major focus on the South African context. To achieve this objective, an empirical review of previous works of literature on household financial management and debt management was conducted to build a practical knowledge model for household debt management that applies to the South African context. Although, the empirical review shows that limited logical theories and models exist within this area of study, as such concept and constructs that apply to household debt management was exploited from previous scholarly contributions in this area of study. Findings revealed that South African household with financial knowledge has more potential to manage and control their level of indebtedness. Secondly, it was also revealed that there is a continuous increase in household debt in South Africa as the credit economy has created room for continuous usage of credit facilities. Implications, a practical knowledge Model such as financial planning model, financial discipline model and knowledge of financial environment model was recommended to assist both households and policymakers. Originality this paper strategically manages the increase of household debt growth amidst the credit economic system that is practiced in South Africa.