Choosing the right car insurance can protect you from major expenses after an accident. Here’s a 2025 comparison of top insurers in Zimbabwe. 1. Zimnat Insurance Offers comprehensive and third-party options Add-ons include roadside assistance Known for fast claims processing 2. NicozDiamond Insurance Wide network of garages Flexible payment options 24/7 customer support 3. Old Mutual Zimbabwe Bundles insurance with other financial products Mobile claims filing available What to Compare: Premiums and deductibles Claim turnaround time Customer service quality Additional services like towing, windscreen cover Always get at least three quotes before choos
A strong credit score in Zimbabwe can help you qualify for better interest rates and more favorable loan terms. What Is a Credit Score? Your credit score is a number that reflects your ability to repay loans. It’s based on your borrowing history, repayments, and debt levels. Ways to Improve Your Score: Pay Bills on Time: Late payments hurt your score. Set reminders or use auto-pay features. Limit Borrowing: Don’t max out credit limits or apply for too many loans at once. Check Your Credit Report: Get your report from the Zimbabwean Credit Registry and dispute any errors. Maintain a Mix of Credit: Having both secured and unsecured credit can help. Why It Matters: Lenders use your score to decide if you qualify for a loan and at wh
Health insurance is often overlooked in Zimbabwe due to cost concerns, but it can save lives and money in the long run. Why Health Insurance Matters: Reduces out-of-pocket expenses for doctor visits, medication, and hospital stays Ensures access to private and faster healthcare services Provides peace of mind during medical emergencies Types of Health Insurance in Zimbabwe: Medical Aid Societies: Providers like CIMAS, PSMAS, and First Mutual Health offer various plans for individuals and families. Corporate Group Schemes: Some employers provide health coverage as a benefit. What to Look For: Coverage of chronic conditions and specialist care Premium vs benefits offered Network of affiliated hospitals and
Personal loans can help Zimbabweans cover urgent expenses, start small businesses, or consolidate debt. Here are the main types of personal loans and what you should know about them. Unsecured Personal Loans These loans don’t require collateral. Banks like CBZ, Steward Bank, and NMB offer them to salaried individuals. Interest rates are typically higher, and repayment terms range from 6 to 36 months. Secured Personal Loans If you offer collateral such as property or a car, you may get a better interest rate. These loans are ideal for larger amounts. Microfinance Loans Microfinance institutions like Untu Capital and EmpowerBank offer small loans, particularly to informal traders or low-income earners. Things to Consider Before Borrowing: Compare interest rates
Applying for a U.S. student visa as a Zimbabwean can be a rewarding but complex process. This guide breaks down each step to help you succeed. Step 1: Apply to a U.S. School You must first be accepted by a SEVP-certified U.S. institution. Once accepted, the school will issue you a Form I-20. Step 2: Pay the SEVIS Fee Visit fmjfee.com to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee. Be sure to keep the receipt for your visa interview. Step 3: Complete the DS-160 Form Fill out the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application form at ceac.state.gov. After completing the form, print the confirmation page with the barcode. Step 4: Schedule and Prepare for Your Visa Interview Book a visa appointment at the U.S. embassy in Harare. Prepare these documents: Valid passport Form I-20 DS-1
Refinancing is the process of replacing an existing loan with a new one—typically with better terms such as a lower interest rate, reduced monthly payments, or a different repayment period. It’s most commonly used for mortgages, auto loans, and student loans. Homeowners, for example, often refinance their mortgage to switch from a high-interest loan to one with a lower fixed rate, potentially saving thousands of dollars over time. One of the key benefits of refinancing is the ability to improve your financial flexibility. If your credit score has improved since you first took out the loan, you may qualify for better terms. Additionally, refinancing can be used to consolidate debt, shorten the loan term to pay it off faster, or even access equity through a cash-out
Facing foreclosure can feel overwhelming, but the good news is that it’s not always the end of the road. Many homeowners can stop or avoid foreclosure by taking action early and exploring available options. Whether you’re behind on payments due to job loss, illness, or rising expenses, knowing your rights and resources can make a big difference in saving your home—or exiting the situation with fewer financial consequences. One of the most important first steps is to contact your lender as soon as possible. Most mortgage lenders would rather work with you than go through the expensive foreclosure process. You may qualify for a loan modification, which can change the terms of your mortgage to make payments more manageable. Some homeowners may also benefit from forbearanc
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make, and securing a good mortgage rate can save you thousands over the life of your loan. In 2025, mortgage rates have been fluctuating due to economic conditions, but with the right strategy, you can still lock in a competitive rate. Understanding how mortgage rates work and what factors influence them is the first step to making an informed choice. One of the most important factors lenders consider is your credit score. Generally, the higher your score, the lower the interest rate you’ll be offered. To improve your chances, check your credit report for errors, pay off outstanding debts, and avoid opening new credit accounts before applying. Additionally, saving for a larger down payment (at least 20%
Applying for a U.S. visa can be a complex process, especially if it’s your first time. Whether you're planning to visit for tourism, business, education, or work, understanding the steps involved can help you avoid common mistakes and increase your chances of approval. The type of visa you need will depend on the purpose of your trip—commonly, the B1/B2 (tourist/business), F1 (student), and H1-B (work) visas are among the most requested. The application process typically starts by filling out the DS-160 form online, which is the non-immigrant visa application form. Once completed, you’ll need to pay the visa application fee and schedule an appointment at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. During your interview, a consular officer will ask questions about your t
Filing a roof insurance claim can feel overwhelming, especially after a storm or unexpected damage. Whether it's caused by hail, wind, or falling debris, your homeowner's insurance policy is designed to help cover repair or replacement costs. Understanding the process and knowing your rights can make the experience much smoother and ensure you get the coverage you deserve. The first step in filing a roof insurance claim is to assess the damage as soon as it’s safe. Take clear photos and document everything you see, including the date of the incident. Then, contact your insurance company to report the damage. Most policies require you to file within a certain time frame, so acting quickly is important. An insurance adjuster will be sent to inspect the damage and determine w
