Money Month 2025: Building Resilience, One Step at a Time

August is Sorted Money Month - a time when Aotearoa comes together to focus on building financial confidence. This year’s theme is emergency savings: creating a buffer to handle life’s surprises without falling deeper into debt.

That matters more than ever. Right now, Kiwi households are living at 169% of their income, and more than 478,000 people are behind on at least one loan repayment. With credit limits rising and repayments staying brutal, the system is stacked against everyday people.

But here’s the good news: even in this environment, change is possible. At Money Sweetspot, we’re seeing people choose to reset their finances - and succeed. In July alone,17 families completed their reset and are now on with living, NOT stuck in debt!

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Why emergency savings matter

An emergency fund doesn’t have to be big to make a difference. Even $5 or $10 a week can stop a car repair, sick day, or broken appliance from derailing your budget. Savings give you breathing room, control, and confidence.

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Why your reset matters

Getting out of debt isn’t just about numbers - it’s about what those numbers make possible. That’s why we combine fair lending with education, rewards, and support. Even if we can’t approve someone for a loan, we still back them with tools and a reset pathway. Because if you’re ready to do the mahi, you deserve a way forward.

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Have you taken the first step this Money Month?

Sorted Money Month is about progress, not perfection. You don’t need a big lump sum or a perfect plan - just one action that makes tomorrow a little safer than today.

• Put aside a small amount - even $5 a week builds a buffer.
• Write down your “why” - the reasons you want less money stress.
• Try one new tool or article - explore Sorted’s free resources here.
• Talk about it - share your goals with a friend, whānau member or colleagues.

At Money Sweetspot, we do things differently. We believe debt shouldn’t define anyone’s future - and we’re the only lender in Aotearoa that helps even when we have to say no. We back our customers with free financial education, and we reward them for engaging with it! Every article read earns Sweetspot Points that can reduce their loan or grow their savings. Because when you’re doing the mahi to reset your finances, you deserve more than just a pat on the back - you deserve momentum.

Explore our Reset Stories to see what’s possible when people take that first step.

Every reset is built on small, consistent steps. Emergency savings is one. Paying down debt is another. And together, they add up to a safer, freer future. Because debt doesn’t build resilience. A pathway out does.