Five small steps to help ease the pressure

For whanau already budgeting tightly, even small price rises can force hard choices between kai, healthcare, housing and other basics. You don’t have to solve everything, choose one action that protects the essential. Unrest overseas is dominating our news cycle, and weather and storm warnings seem to be happening more and more often.

There are many things we can’t control, so one of the best things we can do in uncertain times is take small, early steps to be prepared. That way we can help protect our whānau, our whare, and the everyday essentials we need. It will also help reduce stress and keep us connected.

Five small steps 

• Ringfence the basics first - rent/mortgage, power, and key prescriptions, pay these before non-essentials.
• Ask early before you fall behind - call your power company, bank, landlord and ask if they can do a payment plan or hardship options, before it becomes complicated and messy.
• Lower food spends - plan four dinners, cook once and eat twice, swap our 1 or 2 meat meals for eggs or tinned fish. Vegetarian options like lentils and beans make excellent replacements for meat. Soups are another great option.
• Cut one bill in an hour - cancel one subscription. Review internet, power and other regular bills and set one no-spend day each week.
• Reduce travel costs - combine errands into one or two weekly trips, carpool where possible, and check your tyre pressure. Walking or biking are also good no-fuel options.

If your situation is tight right now – make one money call, ask for payment plan or get free support.

Free support is available

If things are tough, free, confidential help is available:

• Te Korowai Charitable Trust, 398 Main Road Stoke, Stoke, Nelson, 027 388 0534
• MoneyTalks, which is a free budgeting service, call 0800 345 123 or 4029 or moneytalks.co.nz
• Work and Income, they may provide extra help with living costs https://workandincome.govt.nz  and check https://msd.govt.nz .
• If Stress is affecting your wellbeing, call or text 1737, or visit 1737.org.nz.
• If it is an emergency, always call 111.
• Te Piki Oranga, 0800 ORANGA (0800 672 642), Email: admin@tpo.org.nz,

Apps and websites that can help

There are a range of apps and websites available which can help you identify low-cost fuel and groceries are available:

• Gaspy is a fuel price app, with user submitted price checks across the country. It covers all fuel types and shows available discounts. Get it from the App store or Google Play.
• Grocer is a grocery price comparison app which includes most supermarkets in the country. Get it from the App store or Google Play.
• Pricespy.co.nz is a price comparison website with a large variety of home and tech products available. It also includes some used and refurbished products from shops that offer returns and warranties.
• Broadbandcompare.co.nz allows you to compare internet providers
• Powerswitch.org.nz and billy.govt.nz allow you to compare power prices in NZ.

Free movies, magazines and books? Get a library card

Your library has access a wide range of digital resources you can access from home for free – you can read magazines, get books , audiobooks, movies and more!

• Nelson Public Libraries or try the available apps.
• Tasman District Libraries and available apps and browser extensions
• Marlborough District Libraries and their digital library and apps