You don’t have to carry your money worries alone
Many of us have money on our minds right now. Sometimes quietly, and sometimes not so quietly.
The cost of everyday things has gone up. Groceries cost more than they used to. Power bills feel heavier. With fuel prices in the spotlight, trips to the petrol station are hard to ignore.
Even if things are still working on paper, it can feel like you are constantly adjusting, stretching, or second-guessing your decisions.
If that’s been weighing on you – please know you’re not alone.
The toll of financial pressure
Financial pressure can bring up all sorts of feelings and reactions, and worrying about money can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Stress, worry, anxiety, frustration, whakamā/shame, or guilt are all common feelings.
You might struggle with sleep or concentration, notice changes in digestion or appetite, and feel persistently tired, with little energy or enjoyment in life.
Money is something many people are not used to talking about openly. It can feel too personal, or like something we should be able to manage on our own.
How to lighten the load right now
The most important thing to remember is this – you do not have to hold it all in. In fact, one of the simplest and most powerful things you can do is kōrero/talk about it. That might be with a partner, a close friend, or someone in your whānau. Saying things out loud can take some of the weight off and make it easier to think clearly about what to do next.
You might find that the person you talk to has been going through something similar. A lot of people are navigating this at the same time, even if it does not always look that way from the outside.
Don’t go without the essentials
Make sure you prioritise essential costs like kai, heating, water, rent or mortgage payments, basic clothing, medical expenses, and your phone. If paying these bills is difficult, reach out to your bank or utility provider to discuss support. A financial mentor can also help you work through your options.
Seeking professional help
If things feel bigger than a conversation with loved ones, there are also people whose role is to help. Financial mentors offer free, confidential, and non-judgemental support. They can help you understand your situation, talk through options, and make a plan that feels realistic for you.
The MoneyTalks Helpline is a free service provided by FinCap, designed to connect people and families with local financial mentoring services.
You can chat with an advisor and ask questions about budgeting, debt management, accessing financial support, and planning for future financial needs.
Text: 4029
Email: help@moneytalks.co.nz
Online Chat: Visit MoneyTalks to use the online chat service
Reaching out might feel like a big step. It might even feel uncomfortable at first, but it is a way of looking after yourself and your whānau.
You do not need to have everything sorted before you ask for help, and you do not need to wait until things feel overwhelming.
And finally...
Looking after each other is one way we can steady the future.
There’s a lot right now that's out of our hands. But we’re far from powerless. Together, we can focus on what we can control – checking in on one another, finding small moments of joy, and taking things one step at a time.
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