Budgeting & How do I avoid getting into unmanageable debt?
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.
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
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.
It’s Riddle Time – You Might Need an Extra Cup of Coffee!
Nobody has ever walked this way. Which way is it?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.7% Yes
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13.9% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below