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Needs vs wants - how to control your money, not letting it control you

The last blog talked, in passing, about needs and wants. Understanding the difference between them is one of the easiest and smartest ways to take control of your money. Once you get it right, saving and spending becomes a lot simpler....

Building financial capability in Kāpiti

Levin Budget Service (LBS) recently won the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) tender to provide “Building Financial Capability” services throughout Kapiti. This involves community education on personal financial matters, running group MoneyMates sessions and providing one-on-one budgeting help and advice.LBS is the only MSD accredited budget service in Kapiti and Horowhenua, and has offices in Shannon, Foxton, Levin, Otaki and Paraparaumu.“We are delighted to open an office in the Kapit...

Painless ways to save money without feeling deprived

Saving money doesn’t have to mean giving up fun; there are ways to build your savings without feeling like you're missing out. Here are some ideas:...

Why using "Buy Now, Pay Later" is a bad idea

It’s tempting. You see something you want, click “Buy Now, Pay Later,” (BNPL)  and boom—you’ve got it without paying the full amount upfront. Sounds great, right? Or maybe not!BNPL services like Afterpay, Klarna, and Affirm seem helpful, but they come with some hidden problems. Here’s why using them is a bad idea....

PART 2 - You controlling your debt, not your debt controlling you!

In the last blog we looked at ways to control your debt instead of letting it control you.These were:Know your debtCreate a budgetFocus on high interest debt firstCut back on non-essential expensesSome more ways follow....

PART 1 - You controlling your debt, not your debt controlling you!

Debt is something most of us face at some point in our lives, whether it’s from student loans, credit cards, mortgages, or personal loans. While debt is a normal part of life, managing and controlling it is vital to avoid financial stress.What follows is a two-part guide to help you take control of your debt....

Understanding good credit and bad credit

Credit is how lenders decide whether or not they can trust you to pay back money you borrow. Your credit score, ranging from 300 to 850, indicates your creditworthiness....

Understanding Credit Cards: A Simple Guide

Credit cards can be a convenient and useful tool for managing your finances, but it's essential to understand how they work to avoid getting into debt....

What now?

Christmas and the New Year have been and gone; summer has been and gone; and children will soon be back at school.Suddenly reality is setting in. Life goes back to normal, and the bills are starting to bite. Maxed the credit cards? Gone into overdraft? Overdone the AfterPay?Three ways to avoid stressing out over your financial situation:Don’t panic!Seek advice!Plan now for the 2025 silly season!...

Why it is okay to be the grinch at Christmas

Many people find Christmas stressful and if already struggling financially, this time of year can be extra stressful.So four ways to survive Christmas without a financial meltdown?Ignore Christmas (so you don't have to buy presents)If you can't, be honest and tell family and friends you love them and you are the gift this year - your presence is their presentsThink of home made gifts, recycled gifts, vouchers for time - be creativeIf all else fails, remember it will soon be January...

Levin Budget Service on The Horowhenua Service Show

Episode Synopsis"This week in the Levin Mall Studio, Oliver chats with Heather Kinsey, the Coordinator of the Levin Budget Services, about some of the financial assistance they provide to those in need. She goes over how they craft a budget, explains some key financial terms, and offers some generic advice on how you can save money. The Horowhenua Service Show is dedicated to highlighting the community and volunteer groups within Levin and the Horowhenua district who provide valuable services to...