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 tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
The Neighbourhood’s Brainiest: Can YOU Solve Today’s Riddle?
You see a boat filled with people.
It has not sunk, but when you look again you don’t see a single person on the boat.
Why?
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.
Serious assault - petrol station
Police investigating a serious assault at a service station on Racecourse Road on Sunday 10 November are seeking assistance from the public.
At about 1.45am a group of car enthusiasts were gathered at the petrol station along with two members of the public.
Detective Sergeant Luke Vaughan, Canterbury CIB, says the two members of the public were then seriously assaulted on the forecourt area and onto Racecourse Road.
“This was an unprovoked assault by multiple offenders, which left both victims with injuries.
“We understand the fear and concern events like this inflict on the community and we will continue to hold the people responsible to account.
“Police have no tolerance for this type of crime or intimidation in our communities.”
Detective Sergeant Vaughan says Police are continuing to make enquiries into the matter and would like to hear from anyone who has any information or footage in relation to this incident.
If anyone witnessed the incident or has any information which may assist, we urge them to contact Police via www.police.govt.nz... or by calling 105 and quote file number 241110/0807.
Alternatively, you can report any information anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.