Financial mentors work with whānau to look at what money is coming in and what money is going out. The Voices report uses data collected by financial mentors to explore three key indicators of financial wellbeing: Income, expenditure, and debt. It also provides an overview...
This Put on hold? report is the result of research completed by FinCap (the National Building Financial Capability Charitable Trust) between April and June 2023. The research considers the effectiveness of the Consumer Care Guidelines – consumer protections put in place to ensure energy retailers...
Changes in technology should not mean that records of whānau behaviour become a tradable commodity for the advantage of businesses. A robust consumer data right framework can ensure whānau own, and can utilise, their data towards their wellbeing. We welcome the opportunity to comment on the...
FinCap recommends that all in Aotearoa have guaranteed access to the essential services they need for health, wellbeing and social participation. Bank accounts, electricity retail contracts and access to telecommunications are a few examples of products and services whānau should never be denied. In 2022 we...
The Consumer Care Guidelines are a fundamental part of a well-functioning electricity market that balances the interests of consumers and retailers. The Guidelines are intended to protect consumers and to ensure all consumers are treated fairly and that their rights are safeguarded, regardless of the...
The recent Cyclone Gabrielle and Auckland Anniversary Weekend Floods highlighted several key challenges for financial mentors and their client’s ability to access the monetary system. The barriers to access created flow-on effects for the ability of whānau to access essentials during weather emergencies. FinCap welcomes the...
NZBA Media Release: Spotlight on a day in the life of a financial mentor Decision makers from government and the financial sector are spending time with financial mentors to get practical insights into their daily work and the assistance they offer clients experiencing vulnerability and financial...
With the release of the Wellbeing Budget 2023 last week, FinCap welcomes the Government’s continued support for financial mentors who are walking alongside whānau across Aotearoa, particularly as they encounter increased cost of living pressures and in the aftermath of this years’ severe weather events. We...
A whānau should never feel they need to go without the energy they need to keep their home healthy. Strategies for addressing energy hardship in Aotearoa must propose strong interventions to ensure we all have the essential energy services we need for our health, well-being,...
Access to essential services necessary for the health, wellbeing and social participation of whānau in Aotearoa should be guaranteed. An effective mechanism is needed for accessing a fair outcome where relevant telecommunications services would instead put a whānau at risk of hardship. FinCap welcomes the opportunity...