The Debtfix Crew are helping more New Zealanders with debt that has resulted from gambling.

We’re not sure why gambling harm is more prevalent now, but we do know there are many ways to clear debt that are more reliable than a pokie machine or a bet on the Women’s Rugby World Cup.

If you or someone close to you struggles with gambling, there are support organisations and solutions to make changes for good.

Death is a topic that makes many people uncomfortable, but it is a reality none of us can avoid – not even the royal family.

There’s plenty of advice about preparing wills to pass on your assets to whoever you choose when you die, but when you are more likely to have debts than dollars – what happens?

Will your partner or children have to pay off your debts, or do the debts disappear?

Being on the receiving end of fraud or a scam is frustrating, soul destroying and expensive.

Recently, a Debtfix Crew member had their credit card hacked, even though they had good antivirus software, and then an email turned up in their inbox about New Zealand’s Cyber Smart Week, 10-16 October.

Technology seemed to be watching their every move, but it was a good reminder to review cyber security and look for ways to prevent further hacks and potentially lost money.

During Money Week the Debtfix Crew wanted to know what New Zealanders were wondering about bankruptcy.

We threw some questions out into cyberspace, and you gave us an insight into what you think our people know about the debt solution.

Most significantly, 86 per cent of respondents wanted to reduce the whakamā (shame) people may experience when they are bankrupt.

Simplicity KiwiSaver and Debtfix have launched a pilot programme for KiwiSaver members who want to withdraw funds when they are experiencing financial hardship.

Now, people applying to Simplicity to withdraw KiwiSaver funds will be referred to Debtfix, New Zealand’s first not-for-profit debt solution provider. The holistic service supports people beyond the hardship application and looks for solutions that may mean people don’t need to draw down on KiwiSaver funds.

Since 2019, the total number of applications for bankruptcy in New Zealand have decreased, as have the number of bankruptcy judgments approved by the courts.

The Debtfix Crew is stoked to hear the good news, but we know our work is not yet done.

There are different thoughts about why the number of bankruptcies has decreased, mainly focused on the money distributed to businesses to minimise the fallout from Covid restrictions.

Why is it always so easy to sign up for something and so mind-numbingly difficult to shut that same something down when we are done with it?

It’s like joining a club or maybe even a cult – that no one will let you leave.

If you have signed up to direct debits to pay for a gym membership, power account, phone bill, insurances, or any other regular bills, it can feel impossible to stop the payments.

You’ve bought a nice new printer, electric kettle or smart phone and the super helpful salesperson asks if you’d like an extended warranty or product protection. They politely suggest it’ll only cost a small amount and you can feel safe and sound, knowing your shiny new appliance is covered for an extra couple of years.

STOP.

Extended warranties are frequently offered on items that are for your personal use only and they are similar to the add-on loan insurances often offered by businesses such as car dealers.

It is so easy to spend money when you don’t actually have to hand over money.

Making cashless payments requires zero thought and there are so many ways to do it that most of the time it doesn’t even feel like we’re spending a cent. A great way to hit reset on those unplanned, incidental purchases is to use cash for a week, or longer if you can manage it.

When Hon Aupito William Sio, Minister for Pacific Peoples and Courts visited the Crew at Debtfix it was acknowledged Pasifika communities need more knowledge about money and debt.

On Friday 27 May, Sio met with Debtfix co-founder and director, Christine Liggins, to discuss two specific actions that could improve outcomes for people overwhelmed by debt.

“We would like a system that stops Pacific people from relying on predatory lenders who take advantage of them in their vulnerable situations when they need money to support family,” Liggins says.

Recently, there have been media stories about people struggling with debt and money problems, and the actions they resorted to, out of desperation.

Making ends meet puts incredible pressure on people and the Debtfix Crew knows how rough the last couple of years have been with pandemics and price hikes.

No matter what, money problems should not become health problems, but we know they do.

The Crew at Debtfix were pleased to see the Government’s Budget 2022 recognised that people earning less than $70k are making ends meet on a low income.

The announced $350 cost of living package will give New Zealand’s lower earners a buffer while they struggle to pay for everyday living, resorting to higher interest credit to cover household expenses.

Debtfix director, Christine Liggins, says she’s surprised the Wellbeing Budget 2022 didn’t give the $350 to beneficiaries, too.