The million-dollar mission
Budget House workers spread the word. From left; Financial mentor Desiree Van Den Broek, manager Christine Singer and senior financial mentor Tania Toma.
Taupō’s Budget House is expanding its services this year to include corporate workshops to help employees manage their money better.
Budget House has just received a $25,000 grant from BayTrust, towards its operational costs and to help it continue offering free financial mentoring, advocacy and education while also implementing new ideas such as the corporate workshops.
Budget House Funding Coordinator, Rebecca Robertson, says the organisation’s mission is to help people achieve financial wellness.
Targeting the corporate sector with day-long workshops will help improve Budget House’s reach within the community.
“Improving financial wellbeing leads to a more resilient and engaged workforce.
“Once people have the tools to manage their money wisely, they’re less likely to go looking for new jobs.”
She said they will talk to employees about their loans, debt management and lifestyle choices to strengthen their ability to manage money so they feel more content in the workplace.”
About one in five Taupō and Tūrangi locals have had some contact with Budget House, either directly or via another household member.
The charitable trust works with individual clients, schools and other community providers.
“Last year alone, we helped our clients collectively pay off $1 million of debt. That’s $1 million of paid bills and paying back loans from finance companies. It has such a big impact as that money goes back into local businesses and the economy. So our client-led approach is really working.”
Robertson says Budget House trialled the corporate workshop idea at the end of last year.
“The feedback was very positive. It gave businesses the chance to say to their employees ‘we care about you. We don’t want you worrying about how you’re going to feed the family.’ It helped create more stability and encouraged people to have those powerful conversations. Some people think ‘oh no, we might have to move elsewhere and chase a higher wage’ when actually all you have to do is look at your budget and how you’re spending your money.”
BayTrust CEO Alastair Rhodes says community wellbeing is a key funding priority for BayTrust and Budget House has a proven track record of helping people get their finances under control.
“Financial wellbeing has a big impact on how people relate to their communities and whānau. Many of those who lack financial stability cannot afford to attend local events, participate in sports or activities, and struggle to buy petrol or top up credit on their phones to stay in touch with loved ones.
“By offering one-on-one financial mentoring, advocacy and education programmes, Budget House is transforming the lives of hundreds of individuals and households every year. We look forward to seeing how this $25,000 will improve the wellbeing of the Taupō and Tūrangi region.”