Mereana’s story

When mounting debts were causing massive stress for solo mum, Mereana, she turned to our Financial Mentor for help – and began to turn her life around.

A solo mum to two girls aged ten and six years old, Mereana rents a Kāinga Ora home in Manurewa. She contacted Iosis for help when she realised her debts were getting on top of her. She was starting to feel very stressed and didn’t’ know how she was going to manage. “I live in the area and knew of Iosis,” she explains. “One day when I was feeling particularly stressed, I rang them and was introduced to Karen, their Financial Mentor. Karen was amazing from the start. She has never once judged me or my situation, but has supported and helped me find a way forward.” Mereana is currently studying and looking to return to work in the  near future. “I’ve always been okay at managing my money, but when you live on a tight income it doesn’t take much for it to change from being okay to not okay. I had debt that I didn’t know how to pay off, while still being able to support my girls.” Karen, who has worked at Iosis for nearly 20 years, helped Mereana develop a budget and work out how to pay off her existing debts. “As well as guiding me on how to manage my money to pay off the debts, Karen got in touch with the people I owed money to and talked to them about the different options. That made such a difference as I wasn’t sure where to start.” From debts to savings Mereana is now able to save a little money each month. “I never thought I could afford to start to put money aside, but Karen has shown me that it’s possible. Now I put away little bits here and there and it feels good.” Having two little girls has made Mereana more aware of the importance of being financially stable and teaching her girls how to manage money. “They get a little bit of pocket money, and I talk to them about saving some and how money can grow.” As well as helping Mereana get on top of her money worries, Karen has also connected her with other organisations who can assist her. “My girls are going to be sleeping on two new beds thanks to Karen. She contacted another agency who provides beds and they’re on their way. I could never have afforded new beds – we are so grateful.” “I knew as soon as I met Karen that she’d be able to help me with my struggles. Sometimes agencies can’t be bothered, but that isn’t the case with Iosis. They’ve been wonderful, and it feels so good to be getting my debts paid off and starting to move ahead – thank you Karen and Iosis!”

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