Students Share Struggles With Retail Debt On Social Media

Holifil

04 Apr, 2025

Many students are finding themselves overwhelmed by clothing account debt after starting university.
A content creator sparked a wave of reactions from the online community after sharing a post about the stress caused by retail store debt.
Social media users were quick to chime in, sharing their own struggles with debt while offering advice to others in similar situations.

After spending countless sleepless nights worrying about his debt, a young man regrets opening a retail clothing account. Image: @marvelous_banda1 Source: TikTok

A young man took to social media to share his personal struggle, revealing that he had been sleeping on the floor because of the stress caused by his TFG account debt. His post went viral, resonating with thousands of students who have faced similar challenges.

The TikTok user, whose handle is @marvelous_banda1, opened up about his experience, sparking a wave of empathy and advice from fellow students who wished they had avoided retail stores altogether.

Why Students Are Struggling with Retail Debt

In the viral video, the young man can be seen sitting on a mattress placed directly on the floor, clearly distraught. He explains how his financial situation has left him without basic comforts, like a bed frame, as he battles mounting debt.

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If you want to see the full story, check out the video here.

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The video quickly gained traction, reaching over 1 million views, 40,000 likes, and nearly 2,000 comments. Many users shared their own experiences, revealing how retail debt has kept them awake at night and even affected their job prospects.

One commenter, @snethemba.ngwane, expressed regret over opening a retail account during university:

"That account was the worst mistake I ever made in varsity 😭😭😭."

@nelliexolo0 shared a concerning realization:

"I haven't paid for my TFG account since 2022, and now I realize I'm not getting employment because of my bad credit record 😭😭😭. I should have paid it off to free myself."

@tumelotumi419 offered a controversial perspective:

"Some of us owe R12k. I won't even pay, after 5 years, they will write me off 😏."

@dee.maswanganyi wished she had seen the post sooner:

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"Y'all are telling me late while I just opened mine last week."

@m.a.s.e.g.o shared a valuable lesson:

"I wish everyone could live by this rule: 'If I can’t buy it with cash, I don’t afford it.' This has really saved me from drowning myself in debt. I'm debt-free."

@keitumetsesithole0 provided practical advice:

"I was left with +R4 200. I sent an email and asked them to change it to a 6-month payment plan. It doesn't have interest."

A Success Story: Paying Off Retail Debt

In a heartwarming twist, another article from Briefly News highlights the story of a woman who celebrated paying off her TFG account. Her joy was palpable as she cut up her credit card, symbolizing her freedom from debt.

The post quickly garnered attention, inspiring others and sparking a conversation about financial responsibility. Her success story serves as a reminder that it's possible to overcome debt with determination and smart financial choices.