Last month I wrote about some of the stuff Financial Mentors (FM) do and cleared up some myths about us. This month I’m going to let you know of the “extras” we offer.
Advocacy
We can to go to meetings as support with clients who find it intimidating talking to WINZ, ITD, banks, the council… you name an organisation, we are happy talking to them. Often clients gain confidence by having us there and they do the explanations themselves.
We are also experienced in dealing with finance companies, debt collectors and financial complaints bodies. We are happy to act on behalf of clients dealing with them.
Negotiations
Closely related to advocating to bodies, is negotiating with them. We do this regularly for clients, often with great success. For example; getting debts written off or reduced, getting reduced weekly payments, getting longer periods agreed to clear debts, or just arranging for communications to be through the service rather than directly to a client, to help with reducing client stress.
KiwiSaver Hardship applications
We are very experienced with KiwiSaver Hardship application, more importantly, we can work with clients to look for alternative strategies which won’t have such a major impact on their future.
Insolvency procedures
Sadly, sometimes taking the insolvency route is the only way to help a client get a financial reset. We work with them to ensure the best option is used and we complete the forms with the client.
MoneyMates and “Switched On”
Not everyone is comfortable working one-on-one with an FM, so we run MoneyMates group sessions. Usually around 9 hours spread over weeks, MoneyMates takes people through needs and wants, goal setting, budgeting, borrowing, saving and ways to make a dollar go further. Participants learn as much from each other as from the facilitator and often gain the confidence to come along for an individual session with an FM.
For the time poor, we offer “Switched On” a one or two-hour session offering practical ideas to cope in today’s financial climate.
We are here to help
Financial mentoring isn’t about taking control of someone’s finances. It is about building financial capability and empowering people to make their own decisions.
The work isn’t just about numbers. Money problems affect housing, relationships, employment, wellbeing and a person’s ability to participate fully in everyday life. Helping someone regain control of their finances has benefits that extend well beyond a budget itself.
Remember – we are here to help – and we have lots of ways in which we can!
