Samantha has goals for herself and her family but it’s difficult to fulfil your dreams when you are going through a tough time financially. Financial mentoring help from Visionwest Money Mentors has given Samantha hope for the future.
Before having their third child, Samantha, her partner and their two eldest children lived in one bedroom of her mother-in-law’s home. When it became too difficult, the whānau came to Visionwest Community Housing and accommodation was found for them.
Later, the family was able to move to a private rental, but it proved to be expensive. Like many in our local communities, Samantha and her whānau found living week to week financially difficult; she chose to come to Visionwest’s Money Mentors.
“Before budgeting we were in deficit of about $400 a week. That meant we were going backwards all the time. Every week, we worried about whether we’d have enough food in the cupboards to feed the kids and there was so much we couldn’t do. The children would ask if we could go out and I always had to tell them we couldn’t afford it. That was heart-breaking.”
“The amazing thing is, from $400 shortfall, we are now in credit. Each week, after all our bills are paid and we get help from the Pātaka Kai, we have money left over. It’s the first time in a long time and it’s makes living so much easier.”
Thanks for her Financial Mentoring
Speaking of her budgeting journey, Samantha pays tribute to her financial mentor Jo and other Visionwest staff. “When you need support with something, it’s important that you’re accepted for who you are and not as someone with a problem. We felt like we were listened to without judgement.
“If it wasn’t for Visionwest, we would be homeless, still living in one bedroom in someone else’s house. Getting help from Money Mentors changed our lives.”
Samantha has goals for herself and her family. They want to be debt free, buy their own family home and start a business. Once out of reach, attaining these goals now seems a lot closer.