Seek financial advice – if the bills are stacking up and you can’t see a way forward to pay them, or you know you aren’t good at managing money, then seek financial advice. A financial advisor can help you put a budget together and look at where you can save money and/or reduce expenses. There are links and helpline resources where you can go for free advice at the bottom of this page.

Engage with your bank – it might seem scary going to the bank if you are struggling to meet your mortgage payments. However, the sooner you talk to them the more they will be able to assist you and put a plan in place. All the major banks have financial hardship support services for this reason.

Talk to your employer – telling your employer you are struggling financially will not only help with getting moral support, but they may be able to help you with a financial plan.

Look at help from community organisations – there are many community groups that are around to help people in need. These include food banks, community centers, and free budgeting services.

Use government resources – we pay our taxes so that help is available when we fall on hard times. In New Zealand you can go to Work and Income and in Australia Centrelink.

Get professional support – sometimes our financial issues are related to a dispute with a debt collection agency or a creditor. Seeking legal advice in these instances may help. Free legal services are available in New Zealand and Australia and there are links to these below.