MoneyTalks NZ

04/05/2026

We need to fill a $30.5m gap in steady funding for financial mentors through the introduction of levies on industries and increased government contributions.
We've published a paper with detailed analysis on the gap in steady funding for the essential work of financial mentors.
You can find the paper and more information about how you can help on our FinCap website - https://www.fincap.org.nz/campaigns/

04/05/2026

04/05/2026

Financial mentors around the motu are meeting with local MPs to discuss the pressures on the sector. They are seeing increasing numbers of people coming to them with multiple financial challenges. Community Law Otago met with MP Scott Wills last week about attachment orders, KiwiSaver withdrawals, Buy Now Pay Later and FinCap's funding ask to support financial mentoring services across the motu. https://www.fincap.org.nz/funding

04/05/2026

Financial mentors across the motu are spreading the word about their essential work and the funding needed to ensure it is accessible for everyone. Heather Levin Budget Service met with Suze Redmayne MP for Rangitīkei to discuss their work and the need for an additional $30.5m a year in sustainable funding for financial mentoring. https://www.fincap.org.nz/funding

03/05/2026

Winter Energy Saving Tips - Keep Warm, Spend Less

At North Shore Budget Service, we know winter energy bills can put pressure on the household budget. The good news is a few simple habits can help you stay warm while keeping costs down.

🔥 Heat the room, not the house
Close doors and only heat the rooms you’re using most.
🧥 Layer up first
Warm clothing and blankets can reduce the need to constantly run heaters.
🚪 Block out drafts
Use door snakes, curtains, or even towels to stop warm air escaping.
⏰ Use heating wisely
Turn heaters on only when needed and set timers where possible.
☀️ Make the most of sunlight
Open curtains during the day to let natural warmth in, then close them at night to keep heat in.
💡 Switch off unused appliances
Standby power still adds up - turn off what you’re not using.
🧼 Keep heaters efficient
Clean filters and service heating systems so they run more effectively.

Small changes at home can lead to noticeable savings over the winter months—without sacrificing comfort.

From all of us at North Shore Budget Service, we’re here to help you make every dollar go further this winter.

03/05/2026

Meal Planning on a Tight Budget - Simple Ways to Save

At North Shore Budget Service, we know food costs can stretch the weekly budget fast. A little planning can make a big difference without sacrificing good meals.

Here are some practical tips:
📝 Plan before you shop
Write a simple weekly meal plan so you only buy what you actually need.
🛒 Shop with a list (and stick to it)
Impulse buys add up quickly—your list is your best defence.
🍲 Build meals around affordable staples
Rice, pasta, eggs, oats, canned beans, and frozen vegetables go a long way.
🥕 Cook once, eat twice
Make larger portions and use leftovers for lunches or another dinner.
❄️ Use your freezer wisely
Freeze extra portions or ingredients before they go to waste.
🥦 Buy seasonal and on special
Fresh produce is cheaper when it’s in season or on promotion.
💡 Keep it simple
Budget meals don’t need to be complicated—simple, filling food is often the most cost-effective.

Download our cookbook for more ideas:
https://nsbs.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/NSBS-Cookbook-for-Families.pdf

Small planning habits can lead to big savings over time, and help reduce food waste too.

From all of us at North Shore Budget Service, we’re here to support smarter everyday spending.

03/05/2026

28/04/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18Xv9enZ8f/

We need to fill a $30.5m gap in steady funding for financial mentors through the introduction of levies on industries and increased government contributions. We've published a paper with detailed analysis on the gap in steady funding for the essential work that financial mentors do.
You can find the paper and more information about how you can help on our FinCap website: https://lnkd.in/eyyQJ_Wc

28/04/2026

We need to fill a $30.5m gap in steady funding for financial mentors through the introduction of levies on industries and increased government contributions. We've published a paper with detailed analysis on the gap in steady funding for the essential work that financial mentors do.
You can find the paper and more information about how you can help on our FinCap website: https://lnkd.in/eyyQJ_Wc

28/04/2026

We're asking organisations and businesses to fill the gap in funding needed to support financial mentors across the motu.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18Xv9enZ8f/

We need to fill a $30.5m gap in steady funding for financial mentors through the introduction of levies on industries and increased government contributions. We've published a paper with detailed analysis on the gap in steady funding for the essential work that financial mentors do.
You can find the paper and more information about how you can help on our FinCap website: https://lnkd.in/eyyQJ_Wc