When buying a used car, service history isn't just a nice-to-have - it can make or break a warranty claim. Durk bought a Nissan Qashqai with an extended warranty and over time paid R21,000 in premiums, only to have his claim rejected because the previous owner had missed the very first scheduled service, invalidating the warranty from day one.

When taking out the policy, he'd answered "yes" to the service history question without being certain — and he ended up paying dearly for that. Before committing to buying a car, demand the physical service book and verify it.

Whatever you declare when taking out any insurance policy – be it car, homeowners or life insurance - it must be accurate.

Fezile had money in his Capitec account - or so he thought. On three occasions since last August, his Telkom debit order went unmet, costing him bank fees, Telkom penalty fees, and a dent in his credit record.

When I took up his case with Capitec, the bank explained the crucial distinction: your balance doesn't account for pending transactions, but your available balance does — and that's what debit orders are processed against. The two figures can differ significantly. Lesson learned the expensive way: always check your available balance before your debit order run, not just your balance.

Scammers are banking on the fact that while you've been trained to distrust links, you're far less suspicious of QR codes – we are used to scanning them without a second thought. The latest form of bank scam is "quishing" — fake QR codes sent via email or messaging apps that, when scanned, direct you to a fraudulent website engineered to steal your login credentials.

The rule is simple: never scan a QR code you weren't expecting. If a bill, parking notice, or email prompts you to scan one, verify the source independently first. SARS and several banks have already issued warnings about this scam.

In South Africa, fully understanding your insurance policy isn't just good sense — it's your legal right. So, to avoid heartbreak at claim stage, ask these five questions before signing:

1.What exactly am I covered for?

2. What is excluded? Read carefully, because exclusions are often buried in technical language after pages of benefits.

3. What excess will I pay? An affordable-looking premium means nothing if the excess makes claiming impossible.

4. How does the claims process work?

5. And critically: what conditions could invalidate my cover? Something as seemingly minor as an inadequate tracking device, or attending one work meeting in your personal vehicle, could see your claim flatly rejected.

Wendy Knowler is back with the kind of advice your wallet has been waiting for. Keep your receipts, check what your cellphone insurance actually covers, know what to say when telemarketers call and yes, you can get that bottle deposit back in cash. Small things. Big difference.

Wendy Knowler breaks down the things brands, banks, and scammers are counting on you not knowing — from new labeling rules that expose what's really in your food, to the cancellation clause that could cost you your entire wedding deposit, to the sophisticated scams now targeting everyday South Africans.

Knowledge is your only protection.

From toxic cookware to exploding airbags, Wendy Knowler breaks down the everyday risks most people never see coming. This one's worth your time.

Wendy Knowler unpacks five costly consumer mistakes to avoid. From how buying through third-party sellers can jeopardise your warranty to why purchasing a car entirely online is risky. She also explains the truth about voucher validity, your rights when a lay-by goes wrong, and an important vehicle recall affecting Land Rover Defenders. Smart advice to help you protect your money and your rights.

Wendy Knowler unpacks five critical consumer lessons that could save you money and stress. From why skipping a home inspection can cost you dearly to the importance of cancelling accounts in writing. She also explores the truth behind diamond pricing, your legal right to return online purchases, even on sale, and why companies can’t silence you for telling the truth. Practical advice to help you protect your rights and your wallet.

Wendy Knowler shares five lesser-known consumer insights that could save you money. From why short trips use more fuel to how a “Dunning Lock” can protect your utilities during disputes. She also exposes a common repossessed car scam, reveals how to decode misleading food labels, and shares a butcher’s tip about marinated meats. Practical advice to help you avoid overpaying and make smarter choices.