Whilet its help is always in demand, the rising cost of living has led to a 22 per cent increase in face-to-face appointments for the team since July 1.
“Demand is phenomenal, and it’s only going to get worse.”
After Christmas is always a particularly busy time, Gatley said, because families are likely to overextend their finances to buy presents.
To combat such issues, a significant part of the advisory service’s work is financial education for both adults and school students, and getting to people before they get into trouble.
Those with problems should come in and see an adviser as soon as possible.
“We’re free, we’re non-judgmental; people can come to us with any issues.”
To help them in this work, the Geyser Community Foundation – a local charitable trust – has teamed up with Taupō Budget Advisory Service to form an endowment fund.
The intention is that charitable individuals, groups and businesses will invest in the fund, and help to secure the future of the service and reduce its reliance on external donors.
This in turn will allow the advisory service to focus solely on what it does best – educating the public, and helping people in times of financial need.
The benefit of the endowment fund is that it is intergenerational and long term, Gatley said, which means they can better plan for how to meet demand.
“It becomes self-sustaining.”
She said they were keen to hear from anyone who might be able to help their work through the fund.
“It doesn’t need to be large amounts, everything helps.”
In the meantime, Taupō Budget Advisory Service continues to be available to anyone who is concerned about household budgeting or debt.
Finance is a really big burden for people, Gatley said, but with the right help, it could be overcome.
She says that often, some expertise and a helping hand can make all the difference.
“Our clients come out and say ‘We feel more hopeful, we feel more optimistic’.”
