Future-proofing your finances

4 September 2013

Future-proofing your finances

Future-proofing your finances can be as simple as having a plan says Raewyn Fox, CEO of the New Zealand Federation of Family Budgeting Services.

“We often see clients who want to have a more stable financial future, but don’t know how to go about it,” Fox said. “Many have a plan ‘up here’ and others have a budget of some kind, but it doesn’t include some important aspects like insurance or car maintenance – the sort of bills that often trip people up.”

Recent research shows that 85% of New Zealanders know what a budget is, but only 66% actually have one. “This means you’re always going to be dealing with the day-to-day, and not planning for your future. A good budget plan will have a budget worksheet – a snapshot of your finances today – and a cashflow forecast for the next 12 months,” Fox explains. “Unless you plan your spending you’re unlikely to reach your financial goals.”

This applies to those saving to buy a home, go on a holiday, or simply to pay back a debt.

This week is Money Week and one of the key messages is to ‘make a date with your money’. “This is the perfect time to visit www.familybudgeting.org.nz and try the free budgeting templates,” Fox said. “You can also visit with a budget adviser who will be able to help you face-to-face, at no cost.”

There are also a number of free Money Week seminars and events happening over the next few days, so check the calendar to find one in your area: www.moneyweek.org.nz.

About the NZFFBS Inc
The NZFFBS Inc is a collective of community organisations that share a common code of ethics, philosophy, and commitment to delivering quality, free budgeting advice to families/whanau and individuals. The current membership comprises 160 budget services throughout New Zealand that employ over 1500 predominantly volunteer staff, who worked with over 41,000 clients last year. For free budgeting advice call 0508 BUDGETLINE (283 438).

www.familybudgeting.org.nz

ENDS

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