Money & You

Why hibernating isn't always good for your pocket

July 9, 2024

At a time when more and more New Zealanders are juggling their finances, and many are finding it harder to breathe, the recent announcements of funding cuts to budgeting services can feel like a difficult pill to swallow.

Sasha says, "We'd expect that increasing the capacity and reach of organisations supporting whanau with their finances is crucial for Aotearoa to collectively weather this current cold economic spell.

If you read the headlines at the moment, it's all a bit depressing. If you haven't read them here are a few (dismal) lowlights:

  1. The latest Centrix report shows that 474,000 people are behind in their debt repayments
  2. Recent announcements by MSD saw 44 budgeting services lose their funding, making many wonder whether people will go for help
  3. As winter temperatures bite, families are making tough choices between food, electricity, and other bills. Energy poverty is on the rise...
  4. Unemployment has risen to 4.3%, with more people chasing fewer jobs

It's important to remember that even if you live in an area where your local budgeting service is closing, or has a long wait list, fear not!

There ARE options that can help you.  Here are a few of our favourites:

💡Sorted Set up your account, review your spending, and create goals!💡

💡 Frances Cook - Journalist Cooking the Books podcast has digestible (and relatable!) content and information. 

💡 Keep The Change is a Kiwi based page that provides tips, tricks, and opinions on current news

And, there's always your friends, family, and heaps of content available through your bank or our blog spot https://www.moneysweetspot.co.nz/blogspot

Related articles

Buy Now, Regret Later? Why it’s time to rethink “Afterpay Day”
Four days of sales. One big push to spend. Why it's time for Kiwis to rethink Afterpay Day purchases.
August 12, 2025
Too much debt to help? Why that’s not the end of the road.
You don’t need more debt. You need the right support.
July 18, 2025
What do we do now? When job loss hits the whole whānau
When someone in your household loses a job, the impact can feel immediate and overwhelming
July 14, 2025

Join Our Tribe

Sign up for our newsletter to receive exclusive money tips, educational resources, and the latest updates on personal finance. Join our tribe today and take control of your financial future!

* indicates required
Money Sweetspot provides financial reset debt consolidation loans to help you take charge of your financial life, reduce debts and get on with living.

You are protected by responsible lending laws. Because of these protections, the recommendations given to you about our loan products are not regulated financial advice. This means that duties and requirements imposed on people who give financial advice do not apply to these recommendations. This includes a duty to comply with a code of conduct and a requirement to be licensed. Responsible lending criteria, rates, fees and contract terms apply. For more information visit useful information.

© 2025 Money Sweet Spot Limited