Budgeting Services North Canterbury

27/05/2026

Taking back control – Spending Plan (aka Cashflow)

What is a Cashflow or Spending Plan?

A cashflow, or spending plan, is a simple week-by-week guide that helps families understand:
• what money is coming in
• what bills and expenses are due
• where pressure points may arise
• how small savings now can prevent bigger problems later

A cashflow helps people move from constantly reacting to financial stress, to planning ahead with greater confidence.

Small changes today can create more stability, less stress, and more confidence tomorrow.
Many Kiwi households are feeling stretched right now, and when money is already tight, creating a 12-week cashflow can feel pointless. In reality, many people begin a cashflow while already in deficit — and that can feel discouraging at first.

The important thing to remember is this: most households do not get back on track overnight.
A 12-week cashflow is not about judgement, and it’s not about being “good with money.”
It’s about building a clearer picture of today so tomorrow feels less overwhelming.
Small savings. Small changes. Small wins.

Over time, these small steps add up to something powerful: control, confidence, and hope.
Even putting aside $20–$25 each week for annual costs like car registration, school expenses, or Christmas can help avoid last-minute stress and debt.

For many people, the first benefit of a cashflow isn’t extra money — it’s reduced anxiety. Knowing what’s ahead helps people make decisions earlier and avoid financial surprises.
It’s also important to remember that progress takes time. Most households begin while already under financial pressure, so improvements can feel slow at first. But small, consistent steps really do make a difference.

Stop juggling. Start planning.

https://www.moniora.org.nz/spending-plans

Useful reading:
Gisborne Budget Moni Ora has excellent advice on “Spending Plans” aka Cashflow.

Helpful NZ support:
https://sorted.org.nz/guides/planning-and-budgeting/money-tracking/

https://excel.cloud.microsoft/create/en/personal-budget-planner/

https://www.booster.co.nz/products-services/mybudgetpal

https://www.fincap.org.nz/financial-mentoring/

https://www.moneyhub.co.nz/budget-planner.html

https://www.communityheart.co.nz/courses/digital-basics-7-essential-excel-skills/

Need a Hand Getting Started?
Would you like some help setting up a cashflow or spending planner?
Feel free to reach out to our Budgeting Services team. We’re here to help you get to grips with all things financial — with practical support, no judgement, and guidance that works for your situation.
Phone 03 315 3505 or email: [email protected]

We’re on Facebook and www.bsnc.org.nz
Our office is in the War Memorial Hall, 1 Albert Street, Rangiora.

30/04/2026

PLANNING AHEAD: REDUCING FINANCIAL STRESS FOR YOUR FAMILY
Planning for the end of life isn’t easy—but it can make a significant difference for your family when they need it most. Alongside grief, loved ones are often faced with urgent financial and legal decisions. Taking steps now can ease that burden and provide clarity.

WHY FINANCIAL PREPARATION MATTERS
Having clear plans in place can:
• Reduce confusion and potential family conflict
• Ensure your wishes are followed
• Ease immediate and ongoing financial pressure
• Allow your family time and space to grieve

KEY FINANCIAL STEPS TO TAKE
• Write or update your will
Ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes.
• Set up Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPA)
Appoint someone you trust to manage financial matters if you cannot.
• Organise important documents
Keep insurance policies, bank details, KiwiSaver information, and passwords in one accessible place. Make sure a trusted person knows where to find them.

PLANNING FOR FUNERAL COSTS
Funerals in New Zealand can cost several thousand dollars. Consider:
• Pre-paid funeral plans • Funeral insurance (check value carefully) • Setting aside dedicated savings

FINANCIAL SUPPORT AVAILABLE
Families may be eligible for:
• Funeral grants and emergency assistance (Work and Income)
https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/products/a-z-benefits/funeral-grant.html

• Support if the death was accidental, including help for dependents (ACC)
https://www.acc.co.nz/im-injured/financial-support/financial-support-after-death

• KiwiSaver balances and life insurance payouts to beneficiaries
If a KiwiSaver member dies, their funds are released to their estate, and in cases of extreme hardship, families can access funds for funeral costs. Talk to the KiwiSaver Provider.

GET ADVICE AND SUPPORT
• Citizens Advice Bureau – legal and process guidance
It is recommended to seek advice from a lawyer or the Citizens Advice Bureau if you are unsure of the legal process regarding a deceased estate.
https://www.cab.org.nz/location/cab-north-canterbury
• Community Support
https://www.nextsteps.org.nz/ https://thefifthseason.co.nz/ https://www.myacp.org.nz/
https://www.nzseniors.co.nz/funeral-insurance/discover/financial-planning-after-partner-loss

START THE CONVERSATION
Talking about your wishes—including finances—can prevent uncertainty later. Even one small step today can make a big difference for your family tomorrow.

You don’t have to do everything at once—just make a start.

Our Financial Mentors will help you navigate this journey. They have extensive knowledge and experience in supporting families who have no idea of “finances” as their loved one had “taken care of it all”. Call us today. Our service is free and confidential.

Discover essential steps to manage finances and estate planning after the loss of a partner, including KiwiSaver and superannuation options for Kiwis

12/04/2026

We will be at the free budgeting drop-in clinic on the 15th and 29th April. Please feel free to drop on in, or contact CAB to book an appointment.

Our free Budgeting Drop-In Clinic will be held on Wednesday, 15 April from 9.30am - 11.30am at our office at 209 High Street, Rangiora.

Meet with a Financial Mentor to discuss your household budgeting needs or to learn about managing debt.

Appointments are for 15 minutes. We recommend that clients make an appointment to secure a spot however drop-ins will also be welcome, although there may be a wait.

Please phone our office to make an appointment - 03 313 8822 or 0800 367 222.

31/03/2026

Winter Fuel Allowance and Smart Budgeting Tips for Our Community.

As the winter months approach, many in our community begin to feel the financial strain associated with rising heating costs. Here at Budgeting Services North Canterbury, we want to ensure that you’re prepared to tackle these expenses smartly. This month, we are highlighting the New Zealand Winter Fuel Allowance, along with some valuable budgeting tips to help you stay on top of your finances during the chilly season.

The Winter Fuel Allowance is here to help ease some of that financial burden. This allowance is a government initiative designed to support seniors, low-income families and individuals receiving certain benefits, with their heating costs during the colder months. This year, the allowance starts rolling out in May and runs until September, so be sure your details are up to date with the Ministry of Social Development to ensure you receive your payment.

For households with multiple eligible members, remember that each qualifying person will receive their own allowance, which can collectively provide a significant boost to your winter budget. If you meet the criteria, it's paid automatically from 1 May to 1 October every year.

Winter Budgeting Tips

To make the most of your resources this winter, here are some helpful budgeting hints and tips:

1. Track Your Expenses: Start by keeping a record of your monthly expenses. This will help you identify areas where you can cut back. Use budgeting apps or simple spreadsheets to stay organised.

2. Prioritise Heating Costs: Heating can be one of the largest expenses during winter. Consider investing in energy-efficient appliances or insulation to reduce costs in the long run. For qualifying households, the Curtain Bank can assist you with free curtaining. Curtains are like insulation for your windows. The Curtain Bank collects quality, preloved curtains and upcycles them to support households in need of better warmth - https://www.cea.co.nz/curtains/ and https://sustaintrust.org.nz/blog/10-ways-to-keep-your-home-warm-this-winter

3. Seek Assistance: If you’re struggling to cover your heating costs, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Local charities and community organisations may offer assistance programs.

4. Plan Your Meals: Cooking at home can save money compared to dining out. Plan your meals for the week, focusing on hearty, warming dishes that can be made in bulk. Check out this informative website - https://lovefoodhatewaste.co.nz/do-better-meal-planning/

5. Stay Active: Keeping warm doesn’t always have to mean cranking up the heat. Engage in physical activities at home to stay warm and consider layering your clothing to retain heat - https://www.activecanterbury.org.nz/being-active/getting-started/

This winter, let’s come together as a community to support one another.

The Winter Fuel Allowance is a valuable resource, and with a few budgeting strategies, we can all navigate the colder months more comfortably.

If you have any questions or need assistance with budgeting, feel free to reach out to our Budgeting Services team. We’re here to help you thrive this winter!

Stay warm and take care of each other!

Phone 03 315 3505 or email: [email protected]

We’re on Facebook and www.bsnc.org.nz
Our office is in the War Memorial Hall, 1 Albert Street, Rangiora.

Wellington winters are no joke. Between the icy southerlies, sideways rain, and grey skies that seem to settle in for weeks, it's easy to feel like you’re living in a walk-in fridge. And with power prices climbing faster than a cable car, it’s tempting to just pile on the socks and hope for spri...

22/03/2026

We are very grateful for the funding grant we have received!

A big thank you for your support of our work.
Because of your generosity, we’ll keep offering free budgeting advice and financial mentoring to members of our community who need it most.

It helps us reach more people, provide better resources, and truly make an impact.
Thank you for being part of our team and for believing in the work we do.

We couldn’t do it without you!

18/03/2026

Kia ora 👋 If you’re an older New Zealander receiving support from us, this update is for you.

From Wednesday 1 April, NZ Super and Veteran’s Pension rates will increase as part of the annual adjustment.

We know updates like this matter, so it’s important people have clear information about what’s changing and how it affects them.

Around 1.5 million people across New Zealand will be affected by these changes, including around 964,000 people receiving NZ Super or a Veteran’s Pension.

The Annual General Adjustment happens each year on 1 April. This is where benefit payments are reviewed and updated.

For NZ Super and Veteran’s Pension, rates are always adjusted based on changes in net average wages and the Consumer Price Index, which measures how the cost of living has changed over the past year. This year, net average wages increased by 2.91%, and the Consumer Price Index increased by 3.11%, so this year’s increase is 3.11%.

You don’t need to do anything to receive this increase. Your payment will update automatically.

If you also receive other support, such as Accommodation Supplement or Temporary Additional Support, those payments may change when your payment increases.

From 1 April you’ll be able to check your updated payment details in MyMSD.

Find more information about the Annual General Adjustments on our website below.
https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/about-work-and-income/news/2026/changes-to-benefit-and-payment-rates-from-1-april-2026.html

Main benefits, like Jobseeker Support and Supported Living Payment, are also included in the Annual General Adjustment. You can see our recent post on those rates here 👉 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1asfL6vHWL/

🚨 Just a reminder, if you see other posts or websites claiming payment changes, take a moment to check where the information is coming from and confirm it with an official source.

Real changes will always be shared in places you know and trust, like the Work and Income website.

18/03/2026

Kia ora 👋 If you receive a benefit, this update is for you.

From Wednesday 1 April, benefit rates will increase. Income and asset limits for some types of support will also increase.

We know updates like this matter, so it’s important people have clear information about what’s changing and how it affects them.

These changes affect around 1.5 million people across New Zealand who receive financial support through MSD, including around 436,000 people receiving these benefits.

They’re part of the Annual General Adjustment, which happens each year on 1 April. This is where benefit payments are reviewed and updated. The increase is always based on changes in the Consumer Price Index, which measures how the cost of living has changed over the past year.

This year, the Consumer Price Index increased by 3.11%, which is reflected in the increase to main benefit rates.

You don’t need to do anything to receive this increase. Your payment will update automatically.

If you also receive other support, such as Accommodation Supplement or Temporary Additional Support, those payments may change when your main benefit increases. The total amount you receive from us after the 1 April changes won’t be less than what you’re getting now.

From 1 April you’ll be able to check your updated payment details in MyMSD.

Find more information about the Annual General Adjustments on our website below 👇

https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/about-work-and-income/news/2026/changes-to-benefit-and-payment-rates-from-1-april-2026.html

NZ Super and Veteran’s Pension are also included in the Annual General Adjustment. You can see our recent post on those rates here 👉 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GrH8Vxcdv/

🚨 Just a reminder, if you see other posts or websites claiming payment changes, take a moment to check where the information is coming from and confirm it with an official source.

Real changes will always be shared in places you know and trust, like the Work and Income website.

01/03/2026

Planning Ahead for Life’s Unexpected Costs

Being prepared is part of everyday life — but unexpected costs can still put pressure on the family budget. A car breakdown, urgent vet visit, or a household repair often arrives without warning.

Plan for common emergencies
Reliable transport is essential. Setting aside money for vehicle maintenance and repairs can help avoid bigger costs later. The same applies to tools and equipment that households rely on.

TIP: Car Check Challenge – Set a “car maintenance day” each season. Avoiding one big repair can be worth a hundred cups of coffee!

Pets are part of the family
Vet bills can be expensive, especially in emergencies. Saving a small amount each week for animal care can reduce stress when the unexpected happens.

TIP: Pet Piggy Jar
Pets need care, and vet bills can surprise you. Save $2–$5 a week in a “pet piggy” jar for emergencies. Kids can help fill it — a fun way to learn about money and responsibility.

Start a small emergency fund
An emergency fund doesn’t have to be large. Even $10–$20 a week can quickly build a buffer for surprise expenses. Keep it in a separate account so it’s there when you need it.

TIP: The $5 Milk Trick – Every time you buy a coffee or takeaway, drop $5 into a jar instead. By year-end, you might have enough for a weekend away or unexpected bills!

Plan ahead for family costs
School trips, sports fees and seasonal expenses are predictable. Putting a little aside each week helps avoid last-minute pressure and the need to borrow.

Prepared, not perfect – Peace of mind matters
Planning for emergencies isn’t about having spare money lying around — it’s about reducing stress and protecting your family. A little preparation today can make tomorrow’s challenges much easier to handle by giving you options, confidence and greater financial resilience.

Support is available
Free, confidential financial mentoring services are available in the Waimakariri, including rural communities. A financial mentor can help you plan ahead and build financial confidence. With a simple plan, small savings habits, and regular check-ins, you can create greater security and peace of mind for yourself and your family. Please phone or email to talk about your situation. Our trained Financial Mentors are on hand to provide you with free, confidential support.

Phone 03 315 3505 or email: [email protected]

We’re on Facebook and www.bsnc.org.nz
Our office is in the War Memorial Hall, 1 Albert Street, Rangiora.

15/02/2026

15/02/2026

Our free Budgeting Drop-In Clinic will be held on Wednesday, 18 February from 9.30am - 11.30am at our office at 209 High Street, Rangiora.

Meet with a Financial Mentor to discuss your household budgeting needs or to learn about managing debt.

Appointments are for 15 minutes. We recommend that clients make an appointment to secure a spot however drop-ins will also be welcome, although there may be a wait.

Please phone our office to make an appointment - 03 313 8822 or 0800 367 222.