Drowning in credit offers the moment you land your first paycheck? You’re not imagining it, from store cards to buy-now-pay-later, young professionals are being pulled into debt faster than they can say “credit approved".

In this episode of Everything Counts, host Motheo Khoaripe sits down with Investec’s Keshnie July, Lending Product Owner and Lehlogonolo Ramushu, Credit Risk Consultant, to unpack why so many young people find themselves overwhelmed by debt so early in their careers and what you can do to avoid falling into the debt trap.

From building a healthy credit record without sabotaging your future, to spotting bad deals, understanding unsecured loans and recognising the emotional and social pressures that drive overspending, this conversation takes you inside the real-world decisions that shape your financial life.

You’ll hear why “easy credit” isn’t always your friend, how small habits snowball into big consequences and the practical steps every young professional can take to stay in control, protect their credit score and build a foundation for long-term wealth.

If you’re earning your first salary, navigating credit for the first time or trying to break free from financial stress, this episode will equip you with the clarity and confidence you need to make smarter money decisions.

00:00 Introduction

01:14 Why are so many young people in debt?

02:13 Building a credit record

02:35 The impact of credit decisions

03:48 The marketing of debt

04:27 Unsecured loans and how easy it is to fall into the debt trap

05:03 Importance of reading the fine print

06:14 How much debt is too much?

07:15 Controlling your money habits

07:55 Understanding your finances

09:00 The importance of financial literacy

11:22 Financial mistakes young professionals make

14:36 Financial advice for young professionals: How to spot a bad deal

16:45 The long-term consequences of too much debt

17:20 How debt and credit usage affect your credit score

18:50 What is good debt?

19:50 Debt consolidation and debt review

21:50 Conclusion Investec Focus Radio SA