Positive Ageing - When You Can't Make Ends Meet

The key to budgeting is to spend less money than you have but, with rising prices and a fixed income, that can be easier said than done.

Setting priorities is the key to budgeting. As a first step, writing out a household budget can help you see where your money is going and where you may be able to make some savings.

You’ll need to work out your total income and all your essential costs – like power, food etc – and then you can see how much money is left for spending on non-essentials and for saving. It’s wise to have at least a small sum set aside for unexpected bills or emergencies.

The Marlborough Family Budgeting Service can help you with these calculations. They have trained people available to help you review your household budget. Phone 578 2006 or visit 25 Alfred Street Blenheim, 10.00 am to 3.00 pm. They can check you are receiving all your entitlements.

The Sorted website, www.sorted.org.nz run by the Retirement Commission, is a free and independent resource which has tips on managing your money. You can also order their free booklet on budgeting through the website or by calling (0800)767 866.

Sometimes however the budget can be stretched to breaking point. All the churches offer support to those in difficult circumstances and there are organisations in Marlborough which can help to make ends meet:

The Marlborough Community Foodbank

Weekly food parcels are available. Anyone needing a food parcel should make contact first with a church, community support organisation or government agency.
Bread of Life

Household linen for sale at very low prices. Staff can also help you prepare a household budget. 14B Stephenson Street, Phone 578 1355 Monday to Friday, 8.30 am to 4.30 pm.
John’s Kitchen

A hot meal served every Wednesday evening for gold coin donation.
Work and Income New Zealand

WINZ can offer extra help with health, housing, emergency costs and, in special circumstances, advance payment of benefit.

Those who depend on national superannuation may have other entitlements including

• Living Alone Payment
• War Disablement Pension
• Veterans Pension
• Community Services Card
• Disability Allowance
• Special Needs Grant
• Temporary Additional Support, if you are in real hardship and have no other options

Freephone 0800 552 002 7.00 am to 6.00 pm Monday to Friday or Saturday mornings – or visit the WINZ in Alfred Street for help or to pick up its brochure “Extra Financial Assistance”. It’s also available on the WINZ website www.workandincome.govt.nz