Terms of Use 

Updated on June 02, 2025.

Step and Grow operates the digital platform found at https://stepandgrow.com/, providing trustworthy insights, practical content, and curated resources focused on personal finance in South Africa. Our mission is to empower individuals to make informed financial decisions through accessible, well-researched guidance—covering topics like budgeting, credit cards, personal loans, financial tools, and responsible money management.

This platform is developed and managed solely by the Step and Grow editorial team. Every article, guide, and update is the result of independent research, fact-checking, and editorial diligence. By using Step and Grow, you agree to the terms, policies, and content usage guidelines set forth on our site. In this document, the terms “we,” “our,” and “us” refer specifically to the Step and Grow entity.

As a trusted source for finance-focused information, Step and Grow publishes detailed content about financial products, money management strategies, and budgeting tools. We also feature overviews of credit cards, personal loans, and financial services available in South Africa—always making it clear that we do not issue these products ourselves and are not affiliated with the companies mentioned. Our goal is to inform readers, not to provide financial services or advice.

Step and Grow is designed to support individuals at every stage of their financial journey—from those just starting to manage their money to experienced professionals seeking smarter financial strategies. Whether you’re comparing credit card options, exploring ways to save on monthly expenses, or looking for tools to better organize your budget, our platform offers practical, unbiased guidance to help you make confident financial decisions.

We are equally committed to protecting your privacy. Our Privacy Policy, available at https://stepandgrow.com/privacy/, outlines how we collect, process, and safeguard personal data in compliance with applicable privacy laws. This policy ensures that our users understand how their information is handled during their time on the platform.

Our Terms of Use define the responsibilities of Step and Grow and its users. These terms outline proper site usage, disclaimers, and important legal conditions that apply when accessing our content. We encourage all visitors to review the complete Terms of Use, which can be found on our website.

PLEASE READ OUR TERMS CAREFULLY. IF YOU DISAGREE WITH ANY OF THE STIPULATIONS OUTLINED, WE STRONGLY ADVISE AGAINST USING ANY SERVICES OFFERED BY Step and Grow.

Article I – User Agreement

1.1 By accessing the Step and Grow platform at https://stepandgrow.com, you acknowledge that you have carefully read, fully understood, and expressly agreed to be bound by our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. These documents serve as the legal foundation that governs your access to and use of the content, services, and features made available by Step and Grow.

1.2 By using this website, you also confirm that you meet all legal criteria to enter into binding agreements and are at least 18 years of age. Your continued use of Step and Grow constitutes your clear and voluntary acceptance of the terms, guidelines, and conditions that apply to this platform.

1.3 If you do not meet the eligibility criteria or do not agree with any part of our Terms of Use or Privacy Policy, you must discontinue use of the Step and Grow website and any associated services, features, or resources immediately.

Article II – Communication and Support

2.1 Step and Grow provides official communication channels to help users seek assistance, provide feedback, or submit questions related to the platform’s informational content.

2.2 If you need support, wish to report an issue, or have suggestions for improvement, we encourage you to contact us directly via our official contact form at https://stepandgrow.com/contact. This method ensures your message is directed to the appropriate team and allows us to provide a timely and accurate response.

Article III – User and Platform Responsibilities

3.1 All individuals who choose to use the Step and Grow platform must acknowledge and accept our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy prior to continued access. It is the sole responsibility of each user to read and understand these documents and to remain in full compliance with all applicable terms while interacting with any part of the Step and Grow website and its related services.

3.2 Step and Grow may feature links to external websites or digital platforms that provide additional resources, employer information, or third-party services. These links are provided for informational purposes only. Step and Grow does not own, manage, sponsor, or formally endorse any of the third-party content or services linked from our platform.

3.3 Users who choose to access, interact with, or make use of third-party websites or services linked through Step and Grow do so at their own discretion. Before engaging with these external platforms, users are strongly encouraged to review the respective terms of service, privacy policies, and security measures implemented by those entities.

3.4 Step and Grow assumes no responsibility or liability for the operations, content, data handling practices, or terms of use found on any third-party site. We are not involved in any transaction, agreement, or communication that may occur between users and external platforms. Any such engagement is entirely at the user’s own risk.

3.5 It is each user’s responsibility to secure their own devices, accounts, and personal data against threats such as malware, phishing schemes, spyware, and other forms of cyberattack. Step and Grow cannot be held liable for any damages, breaches, or losses caused by software vulnerabilities, malicious links, or third-party activity outside our direct control.

3.6 While we strive to ensure that Step and Grow remains a secure and reliable platform, we cannot guarantee uninterrupted access or full immunity from potential disruptions, including but not limited to system outages, denial-of-service attacks, or unplanned technical issues. We are not responsible for any inconvenience, data loss, or damages that may result from such events.

3.7 Step and Grow does not charge users any fees to access our website, browse, or view informational content. We do not request donations, offer premium subscriptions, or collect payments in any form. Any request for money claiming to come from Step and Grow should be treated as fraudulent and reported to us immediately for investigation.

3.8 To reduce your risk of falling victim to phishing, impersonation scams, or fraudulent emails, we urge users to exercise caution when receiving unexpected communications. Do not open unknown attachments or click on suspicious links. If you receive a message that appears to be from Step and Grow but seems questionable, please report it directly through our contact form at https://stepandgrow.com/contact, so our team can verify and respond accordingly.

Article IV – Prohibited Conduct

To maintain a secure, respectful, and professional environment for all users, Step and Grow strictly prohibits the following actions and behaviors across its platform:

Engagement in Unlawful Activity

Users must not use Step and Grow to plan, promote, or engage in any illegal conduct, whether directly or indirectly. The platform may not be used to facilitate or encourage unlawful behavior of any kind.

Breach of Applicable Laws and Regulations

All individuals using Step and Grow are required to comply with local, state, federal, and international laws. Violations of legal standards while interacting with our content or services are taken seriously and will be addressed accordingly.

Violation of Intellectual Property Rights

Step and Grow content is protected by intellectual property laws. Users may not reproduce, modify, publish, or distribute any material from the platform without explicit permission. This includes copyrighted articles, branded visuals, and proprietary research.

Harassment, Discrimination, and Defamatory Speech

We do not tolerate any form of harassment, abuse, or hate speech on our platform. This includes targeting individuals or groups based on race, gender, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, disability, or any other identity characteristic. Defamatory or threatening language is equally forbidden.

Distribution of False or Misleading Information

Users may not share or promote intentionally misleading content. All interactions on Step and Grow—whether comments, messages, or submissions—must reflect a good-faith effort to be truthful and accurate.

Introduction of Malicious Code or Harmful Software

It is strictly forbidden to upload, link to, or distribute any form of malware, viruses, spyware, ransomware, or unauthorized tracking tools. Such activity will result in immediate action, including removal from the platform and possible legal consequences.

Misuse of Personal Data

Collecting, storing, or sharing another individual’s personal information without explicit consent is not allowed. All users are expected to follow data privacy regulations and ethical guidelines in every interaction.

Fraudulent, Deceptive, or Impersonation Activity

Acts such as identity theft, impersonating other individuals or organizations, phishing, creating fake profiles, or submitting misleading requests or applications are strictly prohibited.

Posting of Obscene, Graphic, or Inappropriate Content

Users must not publish material that includes explicit sexual content, extreme violence, or other offensive subject matter that violates community standards or is deemed inappropriate for a professional environment.

Tampering with Platform Security or Functionality

Attempts to hack, reverse-engineer, disable, or circumvent Step and Grow’s security features or infrastructure are expressly forbidden. Unauthorized access to our systems will be treated as a serious violation.

Violating any of the conduct guidelines above may result in temporary suspension or permanent removal from Step and Grow’s services. In cases involving significant risk or illegality, Step and Grow reserves the right to notify relevant legal authorities and pursue legal action when appropriate.

Article V – Disclaimer of Warranties and Limitation of Liability

At Step and Grow, we strive to offer a reliable, informative, and thoughtfully curated experience across all content areas featured on our platform. While we make every effort to keep our materials accurate and current, we cannot guarantee that our site will be entirely free of technical issues, access delays, or occasional errors.

All information, tools, and resources provided on Step and Grow are offered without any express or implied warranties. This includes—but is not limited to—guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, usefulness, or performance of the content we publish. While we take quality seriously, Step and Grow cannot be held responsible for any personal, academic, creative, financial, or other decisions made based on our content.

We reserve the right to change, suspend, restrict, or discontinue any part of our platform at any time, with or without notice. This includes the removal or modification of categories, tools, features, or content areas for any reason we deem necessary.

By using Step and Grow, you acknowledge that your access and interaction with the platform is done voluntarily and at your own risk. All materials are provided strictly “as is” and “as available.” The following disclaimers apply to the full extent permitted by law:

  • We do not guarantee that our content will meet your specific expectations, needs, or intended use.
  • We make no warranties that the site will be available at all times or free of bugs, delays, or interruptions.
  • We do not commit to keeping our content fully aligned with the most recent changes in laws, technology, platforms, or global trends.
  • We are not responsible for the behavior, availability, or accuracy of any third-party websites, tools, or services we may reference.
  • We disclaim any endorsement or responsibility for outcomes associated with external links, applications, or platforms mentioned on Step and Grow.

Step and Grow, including its editorial team, contributors, licensors, service providers, and affiliates, shall not be held liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from your use—or inability to use—our platform. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Loss of personal data, time, or productivity caused by reliance on our content or linked tools.
  • Technical issues, system errors, or access problems beyond our control.
  • Expenses related to switching platforms, reevaluating strategies, or responding to inaccurate interpretations of information found on our site.
  • Reputational, legal, or financial consequences related to your use of information, recommendations, or comparisons featured on Step and Grow.

These disclaimers apply regardless of the type of claim or whether Step and Grow was advised of the possibility of such outcomes.

By continuing to access and engage with Step and Grow, you agree to these terms and fully understand that we assume no liability for decisions, results, or complications stemming from the use or interpretation of our materials.

Article VI – Duration and Legal Timeframe

All terms outlined in Step and Grow’s Terms of Use remain legally binding and in full effect for the duration of any user’s engagement with our platform. These provisions apply continuously and are not limited to a single session or type of interaction. They shall remain enforceable unless Step and Grow formally updates, amends, or revokes them through an official notice or published revision on https://stepandgrow.com. 

In the event of a dispute, complaint, or legal concern related to your use of Step and Grow—including matters involving our Privacy Policy—users must initiate any formal claim or legal action within 90 calendar days from the date the issue first occurred. Claims submitted after this period may be considered ineligible under the applicable legal framework and dismissed as untimely.

This timeframe is designed to encourage prompt reporting and resolution of issues while relevant details remain current, reliable, and verifiable, thereby promoting a more efficient and fair handling of any dispute.

Article VII – Governing Law and Jurisdiction

The interpretation, enforcement, and continued validity of Step and Grow’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy shall be governed by applicable regional federal statutes and state-level laws relevant to digital content platforms, consumer protection, and online data handling.

Any dispute, lawsuit, or legal proceeding arising from a user’s interaction with Step and Grow shall fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts authorized to oversee such matters within the appropriate legal territory.

By using Step and Grow, you expressly agree that any legal claims or proceedings will be resolved in accordance with these governing laws. You further acknowledge that all jurisdictional matters related to Step and Grow will be subject to the legal structure regulating digital services and online informational platforms in South Africa.

Article VIII – Intellectual Property and Content Ownership

8.1 Content Ownership and Rights

All original materials published on Step and Grow—including written articles, data insights, graphics, icons, logos, design elements, custom functionalities, videos, trademarks, and brand identifiers—are protected by applicable intellectual property laws. These assets are the sole property of Step and Grow or its officially licensed contributors. Unauthorized use of any part of the platform’s content—including copying, editing, translating, broadcasting, distributing, displaying, or otherwise reproducing any materials without prior written permission—is strictly prohibited.

8.2 Limitation of Liability

Step and Grow is not responsible for the accuracy, intent, or impact of any third-party or user-generated content that may appear or be referenced on the platform. This includes, but is not limited to, external comments, embedded media, outbound links, or associated discussions. Users acknowledge that any reliance on such content is done at their own discretion and risk. Step and Grow disclaims all liability for damages, misinformation, or losses—whether direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential—resulting from interactions with third-party materials.

8.3 Handling Content Violations

Step and Grow reserves the unrestricted right to review, remove, restrict, or block any content deemed to violate platform policies or legal obligations. This includes material considered misleading, unlawful, plagiarized, offensive, defamatory, or otherwise inappropriate. Actions may include removal of content, temporary user suspension, or permanent revocation of access to the platform. Repeat or serious violations may lead to formal reporting or further legal action when applicable.

Article IX – Changes to Terms and Conditions

Step and Grow retains full authority to revise, modify, update, or discontinue any section of its Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, or platform services at any time and without prior notice. These revisions may reflect changes in legal standards, updates to feature functionality, operational decisions, or broader platform restructuring.

It is each user’s responsibility to periodically review our Terms to remain informed of updates. By continuing to access or use Step and Grow after changes are implemented, users explicitly agree to the revised terms and conditions.

Step and Grow will not be held liable for any inconvenience, lost data, user dissatisfaction, or service interruption that may result from such updates, feature removals, or full or partial discontinuation of services.

If you do not agree with any updates to the Terms or changes to the platform, you are required to discontinue all use of Step and Grow and its associated services immediately.

Article X – Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms, need assistance with platform functionality, or would like to provide general feedback regarding Step and Grow, we encourage you to reach out via our official contact page:

📌 https://stepandgrow.com/contact 

We welcome inquiries, support requests, error reports, and constructive suggestions. While we aim to address all communications in a timely and respectful manner, response times may vary based on the complexity and nature of your request.

Disclaimer

Under no circumstance we will require you to pay in order to release any type of product, including credit cards, loans or any other offer. If this happens, please contact us immediately. Always read the terms and conditions of the service provider you are reaching out to. We make money from advertising and referrals for some but not all products displayed in this website. Everything published here is based on quantitative and qualitative research, and our team strives to be as fair as possible when comparing competing options.

Advertiser Disclosure

We are an independent, objective, advertising-supported content publisher website. In order to support our ability to provide free content to our users, the recommendations that appear on our site might be from companies from which we receive affiliate compensation. Such compensation may impact how, where and in which order offers appear on our site. Other factors such as our own proprietary algorithms and first party data may also affect how and where products/offers are placed. We do not include all currently available financial or credit offers in the market in our website.

Editorial Note

Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. That said, the compensation we receive from our affiliate partners does not influence the recommendations or advice our team of writers provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the content on this website. While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we believe our users will find relevant, we cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.