'I Was R95 0000 In Debt Here's How I Paid It Off in Three Years'
Cosmopolitan - South Africa|June 2018

Capetonian Marnita Oppermann may be an accountant, but that didn’t help her with her personal finances, which spiralled out of control. Here’s how she got her money back on track – and how you can, too

'I Was R95 0000 In Debt Here's How I Paid It Off in Three Years'

‘I was 23 when I got my first taste for easy money,’ says Oppermann. ‘It was 2004, and I was working part-time as a nanny while finishing my business degree in London. I was earning £600 (about R10 500) a month, which didn’t get me far. The friends I met were going out and travelling all the time, and seemed to have no problem affording it all. I’d never had a credit card before but all my friends had one and told me how easy it was. So I went to a bank and was offered a credit card on the spot. “That’s it?” I thought. All I had to do was fill out a form. That’s how it all began.

‘No more FOMO! I used the card for travel, entertainment, clothing. After three months, I’d maxed it out – so I applied for another one, and then another one. I know what you’re thinking – silly – but all my friends were doing it. We’d max out one, then pay the minimum payment with another one.

‘In 2013, I decided to move back to South Africa. I had five credit cards and £3 000 (about R52 000) of debt. My aunt (with whom I was living in London) helped me pay off my debt before I moved back home. You’d think this would have taught me a lesson – but far from it. Back in Cape Town, I was employed as an accountant at a top firm, but the salary was never enough. I thought that earning more would prevent me from ending up in the same situation. But the more I earned, the more I spent.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM COSMOPOLITAN - SOUTH AFRICAView all
Marc Buckner
Cosmopolitan - South Africa

Marc Buckner

The Bachelor SA Season 2’s star is here to make you swoon. Find out why boss babes are ready to risk it all for this adventurous dog lover.

time-read
1 min  |
May 2020
I Tested Positive For The Alzheimer's Gene At 26 Years Old
Cosmopolitan - South Africa

I Tested Positive For The Alzheimer's Gene At 26 Years Old

A DNA testing kit is like a crystal ball, but what if you don’t like what you see?

time-read
3 mins  |
May 2020
Basically No-One Has A 28-Day Menstrual Cycle
Cosmopolitan - South Africa

Basically No-One Has A 28-Day Menstrual Cycle

Brought to you by: the idea of a ‘normal’ period is a lie

time-read
2 mins  |
May 2020
For Those Times When You're Like, ‘I Love You, But You're Annoying...'
Cosmopolitan - South Africa

For Those Times When You're Like, ‘I Love You, But You're Annoying...'

Coupledom can be hard!

time-read
5 mins  |
May 2020
How To Get Sh*t Done
Cosmopolitan - South Africa

How To Get Sh*t Done

Calling all procrastinators: sometimes getting started on a new project or goal can be the hardest part. Here’s how to stop putting it off and actually press go

time-read
5 mins  |
May 2020
Is Rage Bait Okay?
Cosmopolitan - South Africa

Is Rage Bait Okay?

It has become the new engagement strategy for many brands. Companies bait their followers into engaging with their content around topics that cause outrage. But is this okay? Social -media strategists Talya Goldberg and Jabulile Dlamini -Qwesha share their views.

time-read
2 mins  |
May 2020
Is Cardio A Scam? And 7 Other Not-stupid Questions About Fitness Things
Cosmopolitan - South Africa

Is Cardio A Scam? And 7 Other Not-stupid Questions About Fitness Things

Thanks for calling 0800 -WTF- Is -This

time-read
3 mins  |
May 2020
Hold The Phone
Cosmopolitan - South Africa

Hold The Phone

Zozibini Tunzi is here to remind you all to Take. Up. Space. She’s rewriting the pageantry rulebook, and she wants you to join in (in a bath, wearing sparkly boots, because that’s just how we roll).

time-read
10 mins  |
May 2020
How To Tell It Like It Is *And Finally Get A Promotion*
Cosmopolitan - South Africa

How To Tell It Like It Is *And Finally Get A Promotion*

Receiving constructive criticism on your work can be terrifying. But do it right and it can be a career game-changer.

time-read
5 mins  |
May 2020
What Makes A Compulsive Liar?
Cosmopolitan - South Africa

What Makes A Compulsive Liar?

We all do it. Tell those lit t le white lies to ourselves, and others. But what about those for whom lying is a way of life? Catriona Harvey-Jenner investigates the rise of a new kind of scammer.

time-read
10 mins  |
May 2020