http://www.levinbudgetservice.org.nz/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.levinbudgetservice.org.nz en-us Sat, 02 May 2026 19:09:32 +1200 Rocketspark http://www.levinbudgetservice.org.nz/blog/post/162044/how-different-cultures-deal-with-money--a-budget-advisors-perspective/ When working as a budget advisor, one thing quickly becomes clear - people think about money in different ways! Culture, family values and life experiences all shape how people earn, spend, save and share money. It is particularly important that we understand cultural approaches to money so that we can give better support and advice.... Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.levinbudgetservice.org.nz/blog/#post162044 http://www.levinbudgetservice.org.nz/blog/post/162442/levin-residents-carry-11m-plus-debt/ By Frankie Webb, Horowhenua ChronicleLocal people seeking help through Levin Budget Service are carrying more than $11 million in combined debt as demand for financial mentoring surges to record levels in the first last months of this year.Since January, the service has conducted 204 one-on-one mentoring sessions, nearly double the 109 sessions recorded over the same period last year. Chair Bernard Long said the spike reflects mounting pressure from rising living costs and increasingly accessib... Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:40:43 +1300 http://www.levinbudgetservice.org.nz/blog/#post162442 http://www.levinbudgetservice.org.nz/blog/post/162433/providing-a-lifeline-for-struggling-families/ By Leanne Warr, Kāpiti NewsAs the cost of living continues to impact people’s budgets across Kāpiti and Horowhenua, a local budget service is lending support.Heather Kinsey, coordinator across Horowhenua and Kāpiti Budget Services, says it’s a big concern.The service in Levin has been in existence for more than 20 years but two years ago, when the Ministry of Social Development was looking to re-tender for budgeting, the service was successful in securing the contract for both the Horowhe... Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.levinbudgetservice.org.nz/blog/#post162433 http://www.levinbudgetservice.org.nz/blog/post/160510/are-you-a-potato-an-egg-or-a-coffee-bean/ A different type of blog this month but hopefully you will enjoy it and be able to apply it to your financial issues.We tend to react according to the circumstances in our lives, so this fable is about perspective, adversity and how you might view yourself.Once upon a time, a daughter complained to her mother that her life was miserable and that she didn’t know how she was going to make it. She was tired of fighting and struggling all the time. It seemed just as one problem was solve... Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.levinbudgetservice.org.nz/blog/#post160510 http://www.levinbudgetservice.org.nz/blog/post/160489/how-to-talk-to-your-children-about-money/ The pressures on children have never been higher than they are nowadays; so many “must haves” so that they can conform with their peer group – clothes, phone, games, shoes – the list goes on. But the pressures on parents and caregivers are high too – food, power and petrol costs, not to mention skyrocketing housing costs. Talking to your child about money will probably feel uncomfortable, but honest, calm conversations are necessary to teach them valuable life skills, not the least bei... Mon, 16 Feb 2026 13:24:04 +1300 http://www.levinbudgetservice.org.nz/blog/#post160489 http://www.levinbudgetservice.org.nz/blog/post/158540/new-years-resolution-to-start-budgeting-lets-start-with-power/ Power costs are a major part of our budgets, but with a little effort, savings can be made without compromising health and quality of life.Here are some suggestions to help you get on top of your power costs.... Wed, 07 Jan 2026 15:03:17 +1300 http://www.levinbudgetservice.org.nz/blog/#post158540 http://www.levinbudgetservice.org.nz/blog/post/157657/forgot-to-be-a-grinch-no-worries/ It happens to the best of us. Christmas in New Zealand is a beautiful mix of sunshine, BBQs, beach trips, and family time. It’s so easy to get caught up in the excitement. We tell ourselves, “It’s Christmas, they deserve it!” and before we know it, the eftpos has been swiped a few too many times. But don’t beat yourself up, you can get back on track if you follow the advice below.... Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:26:24 +1300 http://www.levinbudgetservice.org.nz/blog/#post157657 http://www.levinbudgetservice.org.nz/blog/post/150132/the-why-and-how-to-of-personal-budgeting/ “A budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went” Dave RamsayIn other words, you are in control, which means you can start to afford to buy what you want rather than just wishing you could.... Thu, 09 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.levinbudgetservice.org.nz/blog/#post150132 http://www.levinbudgetservice.org.nz/blog/post/150131/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.... Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.levinbudgetservice.org.nz/blog/#post150131 http://www.levinbudgetservice.org.nz/blog/post/151294/building-financial-capability-in-kapiti/ 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... Mon, 01 Sep 2025 09:24:12 +1200 http://www.levinbudgetservice.org.nz/blog/#post151294