Guest post by Andy Gilder.

When asked the question “What is your greatest financial concern?” respondents in last month’s FNB powered Justmoney poll were torn between listing credit card debt or the inability to attain a bond as their biggest financial worry.

Respondents participated in the poll throughout the month of July and were hard pressed to choose between the two as their greatest financial concern.

While some 35% said that being unable to get a bond for a home was their primary concern, the result was hotly contested, as 33% of the respondents said that paying off short term debt, in the form of credit cards, was their immediate worry. Interestingly, the next most popular vote went the way of “Nothing, I’m cool” with fewer respondents listing concerns about school fees and the kids as foremost in their concerns.

Justmoney’s general manager Andy Gilder says that while the site constantly takes measures to better educate consumers, the results of the poll show that there are still a number of people whose financial concerns develop from living beyond their means. The fact that credit was no longer freely available meant that a lot of people needed to alter their lifestyles or face serious financial pressure.

“While the over indebted should be looking for ways to cut out expenses and pay off their debts faster, we are still seeing a number of users actively looking for additional loans to get out of the debt that they are already in. Many people have taken to the Internet to acquire more credit in the hope that the lending criteria will be more lenient online, but the reality is that credit is not freely available anywhere at present- the Internet medium is not an ‘easier way to borrow’.”

In efforts to better educate users, Justmoney has developed key relationships within the industry.

“Our ‘Ask the Expert’ section allows members of the public direct access to industry experts – giving them opportunity to ask questions and access advice and information that is not readily available to everyone. While the Internet may not be an easier place to get credit, it is unquestionably an easier place to get information and Justmoney is doing its level best to insure that our information is of the highest quality.”

The full results of July’s poll are as follows:
When asked the question “What is your greatest financial concern?” the result were:
* 35% said “I can’t get a bond to buy a house”
* 33% said “not being able to pay off my credit card”
* 9% said “next year’s school fees”
* 7% said “maintenance for my kids”
* 19% said “Nothing, I’m cool.”

Andy Gilder represents www.justmoney.co.za, South Africa’s online guide to money. As Justmoney’s editorial and content producer, Andy spends all day addressing the financial concerns of South Africans and uses the www.justmoney.co.za tools and guides to find consumers the best deals available. Check out their bank charges comparison tool to see if you’ve got the best bank account available.