Budgeting  

Do you have a budget plan?

Why Budget?

Being able to identify all your income, expenses and goals is a very important step in gaining control of your life and finances. If you want to make your budget work for you then you need to have a budget plan guiding you.  Read through the questions below and if you answer yes to any of them, then you probably need to take the step to develop a budget plan.

• Do your debts and other financial worries control your life and hopes?
• Do you find yourself living week to week with no safety net for one off bills?
• Are discussions about money causing arguments or stress in your family?
• Do you find you cannot do the things you want because you have no money?
• Do you have debts and find it hard to keep up with the repayments?
• Do you find you are always getting into debt?
• Have you had changes to your income or commitments (eg; job loss, separation, new child, increased costs)?
• Have you given up on having money for holidays or your retirement?
  

It’s important to us at United that every UCU member has the opportunity to gain control of their finances, as far too many New Zealand families see debt as a way of life and in many instances fall victim to loan sharks and finance companies. So UCU has formed a relationship with the New Zealand Federation Of family Budgeting Services (NZFFBS). Its members are community based budgeting services located throughout New Zealand. Each budget service has trained budget providers who are able to offer FREE advice, options and encouragement in strict confidence.

What to do?

Simply phone the budget service nearest you (click here for a full list) to make an appointment with a budget advisor. In helping you develop a budget plan, you may also qualify for a personal loan from UCU to help manage the debt you have incurred. This will be explained by the budget advisor.

Remember, all the information you provide is kept in the strictest confidence.

So, take the first step towards gaining back control of your life and finances today!!

For more information on the New Zealand Federation of Family Budgeting Services click here.