BUDGET SERVICE
We offer a comprehensive budget advice service, either on a one to one basis with one of our volunteers or with our budget advisor. We also run budgeting courses.
If our service is appropriate to the needs of the client, they are matched with a budget advisor. An agreement is signed and depending on their needs, a programme will be set. This may include advocacy - supporting clients in interactions with government agencies, power/phone companies, businesses or debt collecting agencies.
While many of the people who access this service have significant debt, a large number are in the position where they just need some help in putting together a budget to manage their limited resources more effectively, or they wish to put in place a budget and cash flow to enable them to embark on a savings plan.
As with all our services, we work on a basis of empowering clients to learn the skills to manage their own life and resources - we don't "take over" their finances.
What can a budget advisor actually do for someone who’s having money problems and is in debt?”
· The budget advisor can give a clear and complete picture of the client’s financial situation.
· They can negotiate manageable terms with the finance companies and creditors that are owed money
· They can create a simple budget that is manageable and that the client can stick to over the long term
· They can generally provide lots of budgeting tips
· They can arrange to have a food parcel delivered in the short term, if there is a need to free up some of the grocery money to pay an urgent bill
· They can advocate for the client with NZ W&I or HNZ if necessary
· They can advise on ways to better manage the grocery bill, particularly in relation to meal preparation, menu planning, wise shopping skills or setting up their own vegetable garden
· There are in fact, many ways that a budget advisor can help, that the client may not have thought of themselves, particularly if they have lots of other things worrying them