When Sereana moved to Auckland, she was excited about creating a home of her own for her children.
Having lived with her parents, she longed for independence but the transition brought unexpected challenges. She was now responsible for rent, bills, and every other expense that comes with running a household. On top of that, she still wanted to give her children the small treats and rewards that brought them joy.
The shift was overwhelming. Without clear systems in place, money slipped through her fingers. Much of it went to things that werenโt truly necessary, and debt began to pile up.
She soon felt the overwhelming pressure of being trapped in a debt-cycle with no idea how to escape from it.
A safe space at Visionwest
It was during this time that Sereana heard about Visionwest. Through family, social media, and online searches, she discovered the wide range of services offered. What caught her attention most, however, was the Money Mentors financial mentoring programme. Feeling nervous but hopeful, she reached out to make an appointment.
At the first meeting with her mentor, Mahesha, something shifted. Although naturally shy and hesitant to open up, Sereana felt safe in her presence. Maheshaโs warm, welcoming nature created a space where she could be honest about her struggles. Together they looked at her financial situation, debts, and spending habits.
For the first time, Sereana had someone walking alongside her โ not judging but guiding.
Compounding progress and small wins
Through Visionwest Money Mentors, Sereana began to see money differently.
She learned how to prioritise needs over wants and created a plan to first break down the repayment of debt into achievable steps and then begin to actually pay it off. Each time a payment was made, she shared proof and received vouchers to help cover groceries. This practical support made all the difference.
Instead of choosing between paying debts or feeding her family, she could do both.
Hope and strength for the future
Over the months, debts that once felt impossible to repay disappeared.
For the first time in years, Sereana was no longer living one week to the next financially, she felt she had some breathing room and stability. In fact, she was beginning to save money for things that had previously been beyond her means.
Today, Sereana looks back with gratitude.
Without Visionwest and Mahesha, my story would be so different. Now Iโm debt-free. I feel financially stable and Iโm hopeful for the future.
Visionwest Financial Mentors
We provide financial guidance for people who are experiencing money difficulties, struggling with overspending or debt repayments, adjusting to changes in their financial circumstances, or wanting to improve their financial knowledge and money management skills. Whether you are finding it difficult to make ends meet, dealing with overdue bills, managing debt, or simply wanting a better understanding of your finances, financial mentoring can help you explore your options and plan for the future.
Our financial mentors work alongside you to understand your current financial situation and identify practical steps towards your goals. This may include creating a realistic budget, developing a plan to manage debt and repayments, prioritising household expenses, understanding financial commitments, or building skills to make informed financial decisions. Where needed, we can also help you understand the options available to you and work through the next steps at a pace that suits your circumstances.
Everyoneโs financial situation is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Our financial mentors take the time to understand your individual needs and circumstances, providing practical guidance without judgement. The aim is to help you build greater confidence in managing your money, make informed choices and work towards greater financial stability.
Visionwest Financial Mentoring is a free and 100% confidential service, available to people in West Auckland and South Auckland.
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