Moneywise Manawatū

03/09/2025

💸 Do you face challenges keeping up with bills You’re not alone.
Times are tough, but there are ways to take back control.

Over the next few posts, we’ll share simple, practical tips to help you manage and reduce debt — one step at a time 💪. Here's the first 3 tips:

1. 📋 Know What You Owe
List all your debts: who you owe, how much, interest rates, and minimum payments. The Sorted debt calculator is a great tool use - https://sorted.org.nz/tools/debt-calculator/
This gives you a clear picture and helps you prioritise.

2. 🧠 Create a Budget
Use budgeting tools (like Sorteds online tool - https://sorted.org.nz/tools/budget-planner/) to track spending and identify areas to cut back.
A budget helps you stay in control and avoid further debt.

3. 📉 Cut the Cost of Your Debt
Consider balance transfer credit cards or low-interest personal loans to reduce interest costs.
Avoid borrowing more unless it’s at a significantly lower rate.

Stay tuned and share with someone who might need a little support 💛

01/09/2025

Struggling to pay the bills and not sure what to do? 💸🤹‍♀️😟📉🤔

When everything feels overwhelming, it’s easy to freeze — but here’s a simple tip that can make a big difference.

📞 Talk to your creditors early!
It might feel scary, but a quick call or email can help you:
✅ Explore flexible repayment options
✅ Avoid extra fees or interest
✅ Feel less alone in the process

📞 Too anxious to pick up the phone? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to do it alone either! At Moneywise Manawatū, our experienced Financial Mentors can speak to creditors on your behalf 💬🤝

Whether it’s overdue bills, mounting debt, or just not knowing where to start — we’re here to help. 📅 Call us on 0800 228 343 to book a free appointment and take that first step toward feeling more in control 💪💛

📝 Pro tip: Keep a record of your chats — it helps protect you and makes future convos easier.

Asking for help isn’t failure — it’s taking control. 💪
Know someone who might need this? Share it — you never know who’s waiting for a little nudge. 💛

27/08/2025

🎉 Another successful MoneyMates course wrapped up!

Brian and Matt recently facilitated a course at Manawatū Prison, and the feedback from participants was inspiring. 🙌

Here’s what they learned:
💰 The power of consistency in saving
📆 The importance of tracking and paying bills on time
📊 How to budget better and build up savings
🧠 Why it’s smart to seek more info before big money decisions
🛡️ Learning about Insurance and KiwiSaver

Ka pai to everyone involved – building financial confidence one step at a time! 💪💼

25/08/2025

🚨 Join Sorted’s FREE 1-hour webinar! 26 August, 12.30-1.30pm 💻

In the second of their interactive 60-minute sessions, you’re invited to an online kōrero with experts from community and financial organisations.

💬 They’ll:
✅ Break down the ins and outs of emergency savings
📖 Share real-life stories (yes, bacon was saved!)
❓ Answer your questions live

🎥 Can’t make it? No worries — sign up to get the recording + helpful emails to get sorted for today and tomorrow.

👉 Register now: https://sorted.org.nz/free-money-month-webinars-registration/

22/08/2025

🚨 **Emergency Savings Month: How Much Should You Have in Your Emergency Fund?**💰💰

One of the most common questions we hear is: **“How much is enough?”** 🤔

Here’s a simple rule from the financial experts: 👉 Save **3 to 6 months** of essential living expenses.

That includes things like:
🏠 Rent or mortgage
🛒 Groceries
💡 Utilities (power, water, internet)
🚗 Transport
🛡️ Insurance
💳 Minimum loan or debt repayments

**Why 3 to 6 months?**
Because life happens — job loss, car repairs, sick pets. 😬
Having this cushion gives you peace of mind and financial breathing room. 🌤️

Feeling overwhelmed? 😟
Start small! Even **$500 to $1,000** can cover many surprise expenses. The key is **consistency** — build it up bit by bit. 🧱

Your emergency fund isn’t a “nice-to-have” —
It’s a **must-have** for financial security and peace of mind. 🧘‍♀️💼

19/08/2025

🧥 Want to score a cozy hoodie to help keep you warm this winter?

Thanks to the awesome team at DebtManagers NZ, we’ve got a stash ready to give away — and getting one is super easy!

💬 Just drop a comment below sharing:
👉 Your emergency savings story OR
👉 Your best savings tip or trick
📣 Don’t forget to tag a friend who could use a warm hoodie too!

🎁 If you do, you can pick up an awesome hoodie from our office — while stocks last!

Let’s spread some warmth and moneywise wisdom 💙
Big thanks to DebtManagers NZ for helping us to make this happen!

18/08/2025

💬💰 Emergency Savings Month: Savings Should Have a Purpose — Emergency or a Goal. Nothing in Between.

Want to build real financial security? Give your savings a clear identity. It’s either:

🔹 Emergency Savings – your safety net. For when life throws the unexpected: car repairs, vet bills, sudden job loss. You don’t touch it unless it’s truly urgent.

🔹 Goal-Based Savings – your motivation. For something exciting, like a holiday, home deposit, new laptop, or a buffer to pivot careers.

🛑 What it shouldn’t be: A floating pot of “just in case I feel like it” money.

When your savings have meaning, you’re less likely to dip into them for impulse spending or emotional decisions. You’re more likely to protect them — and grow them. 💪📈

15/08/2025

💡 EMERGENCY FUND SAVINGS TIPS: Save Today for a Secure Tomorrow! 💡

Looking for simple ways to grow your emergency savings? Here are 3 easy strategies that really work:

💰 Keep/Save the Change
Slow and steady wins the race! 🐢
Drop your spare coins — or even $5 notes — into a jar or can at home. When it’s full, deposit it into your savings account.
✨ Bonus Tip: Some NZ banks offer a Save the Change feature that rounds up your electronic purchases and transfers the difference to your savings. Easy and automatic!

➕ Add in the Extra
Got leftover money at the end of your pay period? Pop it into your emergency fund! Even small amounts make a big difference over time.

📈 Let Your Money Work for You
Put your emergency savings into a high-yield savings account. You’ll earn interest — and then interest on that interest! That’s the magic of compound growth. 🌱

Start small, stay consistent, and watch your emergency fund grow. Your future self will thank you! 🙌

13/08/2025

EMERGENCY SAVINGS: Think of it as your "Oh No!" fund — because life throws curveballs, and it's best to be ready! 🚗💥🛠️🐾

✅ Start small — even $1 a day keeps the stress away!
✅ Consistency is KEY 🔑
✅ It’s your personal backup plan — no credit checks, no waiting for approval! 🙌

Whether it’s a broken appliance, a vet bill, or a sudden car repair, your emergency fund has your back. 💪

Start today — Trust us, your future you will be smiling 😃 💚

12/08/2025

📽️💬 Missed the Emergency Savings 101 Webinar?
Don’t worry — we’ve got your back! 💪

🎥 Click the link below to watch the full video and catch up on all the tips and tools that can help you build your financial safety net. 🛟💰

👇👇👇

https://sorted.org.nz/videos/stressed-to-sorted-emergency-savings-101

Send a message to learn more

11/08/2025

🚨 FREE WEBINAR ALERT 🚨 Get the 101 on Emergency Savings

Want to build your emergency fund but not sure where to start? Join our free webinar and get the essentials — simple, practical tips to help you save smart and stay prepared.

💡 Perfect for beginners
💬 Live Q&A included
📲 Register now and take control of your financial future!

https://sorted.org.nz/free-money-month-webinars-registration/

08/08/2025

Build Your Emergency Savings Using Everyday Economics

Let’s be real—no one wants to be told “just stop spending.” So instead of guilt, let’s get curious. Welcome to:

🤎ྀིྀི☕︎ Coffeenomics – Your $5-a-day coffee habit (5x/week) could be costing you $1,300/year. Cut back to 2 a week? Boom - you could save $780.

🥧 Pienomics – Bought lunches at $12/day? That’s $3,120/year. Even swapping out 3 days a week can save you $1,800+ without losing your Friday treat.

🛒 Temunomics – Late-night scrolling = impulse spending. One $60 online purchase per week = $3,120/year. Skip just half? That’s over $1,500 back in your pocket.

💬 These aren’t “don’t spend” messages. They’re what ifs — the kind that spark change without guilt.

👉 What if you redirected just one habit into savings? That daily coffee, takeaway, or impulse scroll-to-cart moment could become part of your emergency fund ☕➡️💰 It’s not about sacrifice — it’s about smart swaps and SMALL STEPS that add up to BIG PEACE OF MIND 🧘‍♀️📈

💡 You don’t need to overhaul your life. Just start with one “what if.”

💸🙌🛟