the financially challenged

This is the BIG thread of financial tips and tricks to optimise your spending and stretch our dollars as far as possible while not affecting our quality of life too much. Please note that these tips can apply to a relatively wide array of people but some may not be doable for others. E.g. There...

Just wondering if anyone has done a breakdown of which party helps the pockets of low income earners the most?

Cost of living crisis After the mortgage, bills and regular necessities are paid for each week. My husband and I are left with very little to save in order to get ahead in life ($100-200 pw) Which leaves barely any money hobbies, interests, going out to eat. All we do is either watch TV, Read...

I see a lot of stuff on Facebook Marketplace being given away for free. Is it for real? Are there any strings attached? I am skeptical because there's no free lunch in life. Please share your experience.

I've kept budgets in spreadsheets for decades now. There's just something about tinkering with them... It's now a full household budget with projections and savings/borrowing, and... About the only thing I wish I could add but can't is syncing expenses to bank statements. Anyway... It's gotten...

I am from another country where, by the end of the day, there are massive discounts on meat. We buy a lot of it when we get it in the deal and freeze it. Does this tip hold valid in New Zealand?

Hello! I am planning to move to Auckland for a working holiday, and I would like to get some feedback on my budget. Below is what I've sorted out so far, but since this will be my first time in NZ I am sure I am missing something. It would be most appreciated if you could please point out...

I'm rather passionate about tea hing families how to grocery shop for sucess. What's the biggest hurdles you face during your shop and how do you decide what to buy? Hoping I can help some of you out!

Completing my research for the day, we have the food thread! Share your knowledge for keeping the grocery bill down. Eat less meat- a few vegetarian meals is better for you and your wallet. Same with dairy. Cheese is delicious, but can it become a treat not a staple. Cook more, and wisely. Dry...

Went to get groceries early this morning (7:30), noticed fuel was $2.53 a litre and thought score! I’ll get a 6c off voucher after my shop too. Came out. Price had gone up to $2.70 🫠

This is not my usual account because it’s very embarrassing. I’m currently on a Jobseekers Benefit with a medical certificate. I needed extra assistance for disability and it took ages to get sorted - months. I finally got someone just before Christmas who said “this is just back and forth for...

Looking for a more cost effective way for my partner to have a protein rich snack. Have considered making my own but I’m not sure it would necessarily save us money. Recipe I was considering here: https://glutenfreeonashoestring.com/homemade-protein-bars/

A free great discount card available from farmsource. Gets fuel discounts as well as many trade price deals from Repco, mitre 10 and a bunch of other big businesses.

Welcome to Personal Finance for the Financially Challenged! Much of the financial advice online and on reddit is aimed at people who have varying degrees of disposable income, ability to invest, lots of free time, available transportation, no kids, a partner, access to credit, and beyond. This...

For light use of Spotify/Maps/Messenger etc. anywhere, without breaking the bank: Warehouse Mobile's $4 500MB 28 day data pack is probably NZ's cheapest way to stay connected to the internet while you're out and about. Pros: Rollover data up to 365 days Free call/texts between Warehouse...

Food prices are insane. What are your cheap eats? Goto budget meals that taste good too? Any other food related money saving tips are welcome!

I use a fair bit of data and my current phone plan isn’t really that good, I’m spending about $60 a week just on data and it’s shocking. What’s a good plan to join?

I was in Auckland in March and had hopped to see a better future and better support in Auckland. I saw a glimpse of that but had to return to Australia to go with my Mother to Sudan. Now Sudan is in a civil war. I will be returning back to Auckland with the next three months if I don't succumb...

Meal deal for the launch of The Warehouses frozen dinner range. Buy one get a free double pack of garlic bread. This week only and only at the Mankau branch I believe. I recommend the macaroni and cheese.

I’ve got access to a home/DIY coffee roaster. Anyone searched for the cheapest beans around so I can practice? Green Bean House in the Wairarapa so far seems to offer the best deals on 1kg lots (start from $16.50/kg).