Budget Advice Staff Stretched
People should exercise caution with their spending over Christmas and seek help if they are facing financial difficulties, says Tauranga Budget Advisory Service manager Diane Bruin.
“A problem shared is much better than hiding behind the financial issues people face every day. Our budgeters offer ideas and assistance that people may not otherwise be aware of.”
Tauranga Foodbank Volunteers “Essential”
There would be no Tauranga Community Foodbank without the loyal volunteers who give up their time each week to help those struggling to scrape by.
The organisation relies on about 37 volunteers, who give their time regularly.
Families Facing Homelessness
The deadline is looming for Melissa Edmonds and her family, including her toddler Israel, who fear they may be homeless before the end of month as their rental property has been sold.
More Wage Earners Using Buget Help
The biggest debt the Tauranga Budget Advisory has dealt with was more than half a million dollars and co-ordinator Diane Bruin says more wage earners and people with mortgages are seeking help.
A Bay family lost their home and went bankrupt after owing more than $500,000 in mortgage arrears, accumulated debt and hire purchases.
Taurang’a Rental Shortage Worsens
Tauranga’s housing shortage has worsened with rental listings plummeting by a third and properties being snapped up within hours.
How to make a dollar stretch further
What do you do when you lose your job and your benefit no longer covers your bills and debts?
For many people, every little dollar counts and for them Tauranga Budget Advisory Service (TBAS) is a lifesaver, helping them manage their tight budgets and chip away at their debts.
Cheap Bread Meets Mixes Response From Experts
A BUCK’S WORTH: Angela Frieswyk, a Tauranga nutritionist, is concerned that supermarkets selling white bread for $1 will encourage people to eat too much of it.
An offer of cheap, white bread has been welcomed by a budget advisory service, but a Bay nutritionist says it is an unhealthy food option.
Caught in the Plastic Trap
According to the Reserve Bank, we’re paying an annual $671 million in credit card interest, roughly $200 for every adult New Zealander.
More Seek Budgeting Help
A Bay couple lost their home after putting $54,000 on credit cards for renovations.
The anecdote has been revealed by a budget adviser as more Bay people seek help to manage their money.