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2648 days ago

Budgeting & How do I avoid getting into unmanageable debt?

The Team from Citizens Advice Christchurch Area

Budgeting

Where can I go for free budgeting advice?
How do I avoid getting into unmanageable debt?

Where can I go for free budgeting advice?

There are several non-profit organisations that can help you with budgeting advice.

Your local Citizens Advice Bureau can help you find a budgeting service that suits your situation. Some CABs also run regular budgeting clinics.

The Financial Capability Trust website and the Family Services directory also list budgeting services and financial mentors around New Zealand.

You can also get budgeting and debt management information and advice on the Sorted website.

You might be interested in joining a local MoneyMates groups. These are support groups for people wanting to improve their budgeting skills.


How do I avoid getting into unmanageable debt?

It mostly boils down to living within your means – in other words, spending no more than the amount you earn and only borrowing money (e.g. a student loan) if you are confident of your ability to pay it back.

You can do this by putting together a budget which lists your total income and all of your expenses. You can download a budget worksheet for free from The Budgeting Hub website or the Work and Income website, or use the online budgeting tool on the Sorted website.

A budget advisory service (see above) can help you put a budget together and work out ways for you to reduce your spending or increase your income.

The Sorted website also has advice to help you manage your debt.

More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.

This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.

Do you think this ban is reasonable?

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Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
  • 76.3% Yes
    76.3% Complete
  • 22.3% No
    22.3% Complete
  • 1.4% Other - I'll share below
    1.4% Complete
1512 votes
18 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.

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9 days ago

Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.

When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?

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Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
  • 82.1% Yes
    82.1% Complete
  • 15.2% No
    15.2% Complete
  • 2.7% Other - I'll share below
    2.7% Complete
2579 votes