• Bills/invoices you have on hand as these have reference numbers, up to date balances and creditor contact details that allows us to advocate on behalf of the clients with creditors.
• A current bank statement with 1-3 months transactions (if you have internet banking we can download this at our office). This provides impartial, third party verification of money coming into and going out from the client.
• The date your next WOF and car registration are due, in case it falls within the budgeting period.
• Any other documents of a financial nature, you wish to discuss and will impact on the budget that is produced.

Our financial mentors (aka budget advisers) will not judge you for what you have done in the past. All clients start with a clean slate and we understand and have seen how many people get into trouble with their money. It isn’t our job to criticise or to rubbish actions you may have taken in the past. It is our job to help you create solutions and support you going forward.

It is true that most of our clients come to see us because they need solutions to issues they have with their money (either income or costs). In some cases the damage done to that person’s finances will require an insolvency solution. However we find that the earlier we are involved, before it gets too bad, the quicker and easier it is for clients to turn things round and get control of their money again. In some cases clients will come in just to verify that they are doing a great job with their money and get tips on how to further improve their money management.

The Winter Energy payment is paid out to all those who are receiving financial help from Work & Income. It is paid out between 1 May and 1 Oct every year.  People who might be eligible are usually those on a benefit as well as some low income families who qualify for and gain the ‘Supported Living Payment’ from Work & Income.

Click here to check what help you might be eligible to receive.