The MONEY-GO- ROUND

Many people are finding it increasingly difficult to juggle their dollars and cents, mostly due to the rising cost of living. Credit card debt is adding to financial stresses and strains, with the Reserve Bank finding that household debt is now at 126 percent of disposable income. New Zealanders owe at least $43 billion on their cards. Data from Statistics New Zealand in 2016 found that five in six Kiwis were facing financial stress, with one in six struggling with their personal finance. ANZ research last year also found about a quarter of Kiwis have no cash savings. Many of us are losing our “financial resilience” – the ability to draw on adequate finances and support when an unexpected expense occurs.

“Finance is critical. Even if