Basic debt management is where you take responsibility for your own actions by drawing up a precise budget, contacting the creditors yourself and negotiating a repayment plan with each one. 

In this way, you are in control and most of the time, you will be able to motivate a negotiation better than a third party acting on your behalf, because you are aware of the finer details of your financial position. 

 You know if you can afford to pay an extra R100 per month on a specific account. Remember that communication is far better than hiding, and you will find that most creditors are more than willing to help.