Paying for holiday, the power bill, food, a visit to the hairdresser, fuel or a WOF… is it a want or a need? That’s the question tamariki were asked at the Eastbay REAP Kawerau Heart2Heart Children’s Day 2021 recently. MoneyTalks Promotor Kyra Walker attended the event alongside...
“The EnergyMate energy hardship coaching service is expanding across New Zealand this winter through a partnership between the electricity retailers, lines companies, Government and community budgeting services,” Electricity Retailers’ Association Chief Executive Cameron Burrows says. EnergyMate is a free energy coaching service supporting households who struggle...
While home economics and vocational courses at high school give students practical skills to help set them up for life, a Waikato service says managing money also needs to be taught. Catholic Family Support Services (CFSS) Team Leader Financial Mentoring Services Di LeBas says many of...
Up to 250,000 people will benefit from the upcoming increase in minimum wage, and Employment New Zealand is encouraging employees to make sure they’re being paid correctly. From Thursday 1 April 2021, the adult minimum wage rises from $18.90 to $20 per hour in New Zealand....
Financial Mentors in New Zealand now have their own dedicated phoneline within Westpac to help them reach who they need to without the long wait times. The phone and email lines will allow Financial Mentors to get directly in contact with the bank’s Customer Care Support...
From left: Manawatu Home Budgeting Service Manager Miriam Peel and Financial Mentor Jeanette Parsons The stress of having to pay for extra power costs for heating can be chilling for some of our most vulnerable people. Manawatu Home Budgeting Service Financial Mentors Jeanette Parsons and Brett Cole...
The New Zealand Bankers’ Association and FinCap have today announced a new partnership, with the banking industry contributing $5 million over five years to support the financial wellbeing of all New Zealanders. The collaboration agreement will provide funding for initiatives that will directly benefit the 200...
One Waikato Service has been supporting their local community for three decades – but it isn’t just a numbers game. The Hamilton Budgeting Advisory Trust celebrated 30 years of service in February. The trust started out with one part-time manager and volunteers in 1991, and now has...
From left: Financial Mentors Awhina Ulutuki and Jennifer Gini at Petone Budget Service It’s the bucket test at Petone Budget Service (PBS) which helps bring the financial message home for some of the most vulnerable people in their community. Based in the Wellington region, the budgeting service...
Afterpay, Laybuy, Oxipay… the list of buy now pay later (BNPL) services goes on. But financial capability and budgeting experts have a word of warning of people using BNPL later services. While these services can be used to people’s advantage, people need to be aware of the...