News and Articles
We try to bring you up to date news and articles, tips and tricks to help you manage your debt better.
Have a read through some of the articles below - we are sure you will find some that will be of interest.
Want to know more about a particular topic - just get in touch and we will see what we can do.
Gentle approach to jobs with purpose
Varied roles helping people and the planet have provided a new member of the Debtfix Crew with great experience to support clients when they are ready to reduce their debt.
When Karen Ludeman describes all the different careers she has had, you sort of wonder how this woman has managed to fit everything in. The theme through all her jobs was, and still is, a commitment to making something better, from cultivating an organic orchard or giving supportive guidance as a nutritionist and fitness coach.
How was your Christmas?
That’s another Christmas done, the kids are back to school (hopefully for a full year) and the working year should be in full swing (Covid traffic lights willing).
How’s your credit card feeling? Is it suffering from Paywave fatigue? How about that buy now, pay later account? Has later arrived much sooner than expected?
If you are feeling the effects of post-holiday-debt-disorder you are not alone and now is the time to make one small change to prevent the same cash-tastrophe next Christmas.
Six warning signs debt is a problem
You would be hard pressed to find an adult in New Zealand who doesn’t have some debt, because even signing up for electricity supply or mobile phone plans are both forms of debt.
The Debtfix Crew has noticed many people have similar experiences when debt threatens to swamp them.
What are some warning signs your debt is getting out of control?
Make Christmas a debt-free cracker
No matter what’s been going on in your world this year with lockdowns, restrictions, or not much difference in your neighbourhood – we all know Christmas is coming.
This year it threatens to be a biggie because people just want to have a good time. However, the one thing the Debtfix Crew wishes for all friends and whānau is a debt-free celebration that leads to a positive start to 2022.
Money to see family for Christmas
Ending a relationship, moving back to New Zealand and hunting for a new job all created debt problems that seemed like the only solution was bankruptcy. When Peter Walsh decided it was time to leave Australia and start over in the South Island, he had debt from across the ditch and he racked up more at his new home while he looked for a job.
“I needed a car and I borrowed from the bank for this,” says Peter.
Don’t put off healthcare when money is tight
Going to the doctor or dentist can be too costly for many New Zealanders and lots of everyday people delay or never get healthcare because they can’t afford it. This greatly concerns the entire Debtfix Crew especially when treating medical or dental problems when they are small is the cheapest way of managing your health.
Delaying healthcare can cost you a lot more than money.
Supporting people to choose the debt solution that works for them
With more knowledge about money and debt, people can make informed choices, but what one person chooses to do may not be the same as another. Debtfix Crew member, Mason McKean, wants to empower people and guide them so they make choices that are right for them at that time.
Growing inflation will increase personal debt in New Zealand
For the past decade New Zealand has had relatively low inflation, with previous peaks occurring after the 2008 global financial crisis, the 2011 GST changes and Christchurch earthquakes.
Therefore, it’s not surprising the Covid pandemic is another major economic event that is creating an increase in inflation in New Zealand.
Squid Game reflects real-life debt dramas
The gruesome endings for players in Netflix’s hit show Squid Game, may not be exactly what happens to people with money problems. Thank goodness.
However, the violent South Korean drama does reflect the real-life battles faced by those who desperately want to get out of debt.
Borrowing will be harder
When New Zealanders get out of lockdown and many of them hit the shops, they may be very surprised if they try to borrow money or buy something with an interest free retailer loan. Borrowers will need to provide much more information, which may be a shock to the system for many people.
Making a hardship application for financial problems caused by Covid
While New Zealanders hang in there, staying safe in their lockdown bubbles, many of us are worrying about paying the bills because our income has changed.
Freezing interest and penalties is life changing for people
When we directly experience something, we gain a better understanding of that something.