Budget service explained

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 486, 18 May 1993, Page 2

Budget service explained

BY

SHELLY

Shearsby

The Raetihi Budget Service started in 1988 as a sub-committee of / the Community Advice Service. In 1991 the service branched into a separate organisation

involving a co -ordinator and seven advisers. "The Budget Service started as there was a definite need in the Raetihi, Ohakune, Waiouru area and this is brought about by lack of self-restraint

at all income levels," said a spokes-person. "People have to be prepared to take Budget Service advice - it is a voluntary service and once organisations and businesses know a client is under Budget Service the pressure on the client is reduced and time is given to get their affairs into order." Social Welfare gave a grant to finance the service and last year a $500 donation was given to the service from Trust Bank Central. The Budget Service is designed to help solve basic money problems and explain budgeting. They also offer confidential discussions.

The Budget Service also has a small foodbank service. When asked if the Budget Service was proving worthwhile, the spokes-person said, "we hope so as clients appear so grateful, as well as businesses." The Budget Service holds monthly meetings, their last one being on Thursday 13 May

at which they discussed general format and accounts paid etc. They meet with their clients whenever convenient after pay day. The service is confidential - any beneficiary, wage or salary earner with debts not exceeding $12,000 can ask for advice. The budget service does not handle business affairs.