Henderson Budget Service

06/10/2026

Same money at the pump, fewer kilometers! what gets squeezed out of your budget?

This RNZ article highlights the tough choices households are facing as fuel prices rise.

For many whānau, petrol gets us to work, takes the kids to school and gets us to appointments. These trips still need to happen, but when petrol costs more, there’s less left for groceries, bills and everything else.

Have you been combining trips, driving less or cutting back elsewhere? What’s helping you make your petrol money go further?

If your usual budget isn’t stretching like it used to, Henderson Budget Service offers free, confidential financial mentoring. We can work through the numbers together and help you make a plan that fits your life.

You don’t have to wait until you’re behind on bills to reach out.

Fuel prices have reached a tipping point where they start affecting New Zealanders' driving decisions - and the longer they stay high, the more the effect is likely to be felt.

30/09/2026

Finish this sentence:

One thing I wish I’d known about money sooner is…??

We all have a money lesson with a story behind it. Maybe yours came from your first pay, a purchase you regretted, or advice you finally understood years later!

What’s yours? Tell us in the comments No judgement here, just learning from each other.

Please share our page

29/09/2026

Between Worlds - A Listening Event for Migrant and Refugee Rangatahi

Free event for migrant and refugee rangatahi (18-30 years)

Between Worlds is a chance to connect, share experiences, enjoy free kai, and have your voice heard in a safe and welcoming space.

Saturday 3 October, 11am-3pm at Corban Estate Art Centre.

Free registration: Register for Between Worlds https://events.humanitix.com/between-worlds-k6y3wmxm

24/09/2026

Our Henderson Budget Service team joined financial mentors from across Auckland at FinCap’s Regional Hui on Wednesday.

It was great to connect, hear what’s happening in other communities and talk about the future of financial mentoring in Aotearoa. We shared our thoughts on Te Tāpapa, a proposed professional body for financial mentors, and discussed training, career pathways and how to tell the stories behind the work we do with whānau.

So much of that work starts with what someone needs right now — food, help with an overdue bill or a way through a debt crisis. Once that immediate pressure eases, we can work together on a budget and a plan for the future.

FinCap reports that closed cases have increased by 57% over the past five years, and the situations whānau face are becoming more complex. Days like this help us learn from each other and speak up for the support financial mentors need.

Thank you to FinCap and everyone who shared their experiences. It was lovely to be in a room with people who care so much about their communities.

FinCap

23/09/2026

Time for a spring clean of your budget?

With the Winter Energy Payment coming to an end, now’s a good time to check what’s coming in and going out each week. Have your bills changed? Are there subscriptions you no longer use? Is your budget still working for you?

A spring clean doesn’t have to mean cutting out everything you enjoy. Sometimes it’s just about getting a clear picture and making a few changes that give you more breathing room.

If you’d like a fresh pair of eyes on your budget, get in touch with Henderson Budget Service. We offer free, friendly financial mentoring and can work through it with you.

Kia ora 👋 A reminder that the Winter Energy Payment ends on 1 October.

This happens every year at the same time. Your final Winter Energy Payment for 2026 will be in the week beginning 5 October and it will be a part payment.

We know the Winter Energy Payment can make a difference over the colder months. If you’re worried about managing without it, we may be able to help you in other ways.

Find out what other support may be available 👇
https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/eligibility/living-expenses/

Check what financial assistance you may qualify for using our online tool 👇
https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/online-services/eligibility/index.html

If you qualify for the Winter Energy Payment next year, you'll get it again automatically starting from 1 May 2027.

🚨 Just a reminder, if you see posts or messages about payments, take a moment to check where the information is coming from and make sure it’s from an official source. Real changes will always be shared in places you know and trust, like the Work and Income website.

08/09/2026

WE ARE NOW ON INSTAGRAM!

We have finally joined Instagram and would love for you to follow us!

We will be sharing practical money tips, information about our free financial mentoring services, community updates, workshops and helpful resources to support you and your whānau.

If you already follow us here on Facebook, come over and join us on Instagram too. Please help us get the word out by sharing our new page with your friends and whānau.

Search for Henderson Budget Service on Instagram and give us a follow

Thank you for continuing to support the work we do in our community.

31/08/2026

Gambling Harm Awareness Week | 31 August to 6 September 2026

Supporting our community to have the tough conversations that can prevent harm before it starts.

Gambling harm is about so much more than money.
It can affect relationships, mental wellbeing, housing, paying the bills, and create stress for the whole whānau. Often, the impact is felt by family and friends too.

This week is a chance to start conversations, learn the warning signs, and support young people to make informed choices before gambling harm begins.

At Henderson Budget Service, we see firsthand how financial pressure and gambling harm can affect people's lives. We provide free, confidential support to help individuals and families regain control of their finances and take positive steps forward.

Looking for local support? Our friends at Mānutewhau Community Hub run regular programmes through the Problem Gambling Foundation, offering advice, support, and practical tools for those affected by gambling harm.

Find out more or register here: https://www.masseymatters.org.nz/event/problem-gambling-foundation/2026-09-02/

More infomration on other support click here https://www.safergambling.org.nz/our-community/gambling-harm-awareness-week

A conversation today could make all the difference tomorrow.

Support is available. Hope is possible. You do not have to do it alone.

31/08/2026

30/08/2026

MONEY MONTH — THAT’S A WRAP! thank you sorted.org.nz Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission

Money Month may be over… but your money goals don’t have to be.

Lets recap the month - we have talked about something simple:

Small choices can make a BIG difference.

TAKEAWAYS — WHAT ARE THEY REALLY COSTING?
Spend $60 a week on takeaways and that’s:
$60 a week → $260 a month → $3,120 a year! 😳

A takeaway might take 20 minutes to enjoy.
But how long does it take YOU to earn that $60 back?

Money can be easy to spend but hard to earn.

Those coffees.
Extra things in the trolley.
Subscriptions.
Takeaways.
Impulse spending

SO WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Find your little money leaks
Budget BEFORE you spend
Automate your savings on payday then budget
Start planning now for Christmas
Think twice before reaching for Afterpay or the credit card

Don't wait until January to start again.
Start now.
Start small.
Give your money time to grow. We are here for the long haul.

28/08/2026

MONEY MONTH: ONE LITTLE CHANGE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

With the cost of living putting pressure on household budgets, finding an extra $100 a week to save can feel impossible.

But what if you started with just $5?

There are apps available in New Zealand that can help you make saving automatic whether you are building an emergency fund, keeping track of your spending or adding to your KiwiSaver.

KIWISAVER OR SAVINGS ACCOUNT?

FEIJOA
Rounds up everyday purchases and puts the difference towards KiwiSaver.

Check out Feijoa: https://www.feijoa.kiwi/

SORTED BUFFER BUILDER
Helps you build an emergency savings buffer by automatically saving and using round-ups.

Check out Sorted Buffer Builder: https://sorted.org.nz/buffer-builder/

BOOSTER SAVVY
Has budgeting and savings tools, including ways to organise and automate your savings.

Check out Booster Savvy: https://www.boostersavvy.co.nz/

HNRY
Designed for sole traders and self-employed people and can help automate KiwiSaver contributions.

Check out Hnry: https://hnry.co.nz/

POCKETSMITH
Helps you see where your money is going, plan ahead and identify opportunities to save.

Check out PocketSmith: https://www.pocketsmith.com/

YNAB
A budgeting app that helps you plan your spending and give every dollar a job.

Check out YNAB: https://www.ynab.com/

AND REMEMBER...

$5 a week = $260 a year
$10 a week = $520 a year
$20 a week = $1,040 a year

It doesn't have to be a huge change.

ONE LITTLE CHANGE can be the start of something bigger.
have a look at the different options and find the app or tool that suits YOU and your money goals.

It might be something that helps you budget, build an emergency fund or start putting a little more into your KiwiSaver.

Before signing up, always check the fees, terms and conditions, and what access to your banking information you are giving.

Happy Friday and a have a great weekend

sorted.org.nz Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission FinCap

Have you ever worried about money? You're not alone. Download YNAB, get good at money, and never worry about money again.