North Shore Budget Service empowers people to take control of their finances using a strength-based, whānau-centric approach. We see financial management as a journey of change, involving clients in understanding their challenges and actively participating in solutions. Our service has been supporting the community for 34 years, and during that time, we have helped thousands of people navigate financial challenges. Our dedicated team of 15 staff works together to support the community with practical financial guidance and care.
Our free, confidential services include budgeting advice, financial mentoring, advocacy and negotiation with creditors, and support to manage debt and bills, with an emphasis on education and practical solutions. For clients who are unable to manage their finances independently, our Total Money Management programme ensures essential expenses – like rent, power, and food – are paid and managed on their behalf, providing stability and peace of mind. We also have a customised software system that provides monthly statements to our clients.
We notice many clients come to us without a clear financial plan or goals. A key part of our work is educating people on how to use 'SMART' goals to guide their finances, with specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives. When clients follow the financial plan of action we provide, we often see them begin to recover, reduce debt, and regain control over their money.
Recently, we’ve observed several current trends affecting households. The rising cost of living is a major pressure, with higher prices for essentials like food, utilities, housing, and petrol making day-to-day expenses harder to manage. Job loss and reduced working hours are putting additional strain on many families. Many people are accessing KiwiSaver hardship withdrawals to cover immediate needs, while growing levels of personal debt, including credit cards, personal loans, and car loans, are adding further strain.
A few years ago, the majority of people seeking our help were unemployed or receiving benefits. Today, we are increasingly meeting low- and medium-income earners who are working, but struggling with the rising cost of living and the challenge of paying everyday bills. We are also seeing increasing enquiries for Kāinga Ora (Housing New Zealand) support, and in some cases, people face the risk of mortgagee sales when loan repayments become unmanageable.
One of the most important pieces of advice and messages we share is that it’s always better to get advice before problems become unmanageable. Financial issues rarely appear overnight, and early support can provide more options, reduce stress, and make challenges easier to navigate.
We also recommend that anyone needing guidance contact MoneyTalks, a free and confidential helpline run by FinCap that connects New Zealanders with trained financial mentors across the country, including North Shore Budget Service. Reaching out is a positive first step toward regaining control and building greater financial security.
You can contact North Shore Budget Service directly on 0800 300 577, or book online at nsbs.co.nz
