Improving financial wellbeing
Ali is a solo mum who is working hard towards financial independence for her whanau with the help of our financial mentor.
Ali was going through some challenging times with mental wellbeing and was struggling financially after losing her dad last year. The family’s financial situation was difficult, with heavy debt and limited income, they weren’t making any headway. After paying rent, utility bills and debt interest repayments Ali often had no money left for food.
The family’s financial situation also prevented Ali’s children from fully participating in school activities.
Budgeting & Family Support’s Financial Mentor, Tammy Herewini notes this is not an unusual situation for a family “Many whanau get themselves into debt, big or small, and they aren’t sure what steps to take to reduce it. Ali has worked hard to change the habits that have hindered her progress. This is where we can help with exploring their options and coming up with a plan.”
Tammy worked with Ali to address her spending habits and reduce the level of debt.
Tammy took a whanau-centred approach working collaboratively with Kāinga Ora and Ministry of Social Development to secure the family more suitable accommodation. Tammy also helped Ali’s children to re-engage into learning by securing school bags, uniforms, and a Chromebook.
Ali said that she is not “out of the dark tunnel just yet and still has a lot of work to do to achieve goals. Without Tammy’s guidance life would have taken a different turn. Tammy’s kind nature and the ability to offer a safe space without judgment was a pivotal moment in my life”.
Ali’s message to people who are on a similar path is that they are not alone and the team at Budgeting & Family Support care and are able to help.