retirement.org.nz

Sorted users who’ve already used sorted.org.nz to help set their New Year’s resolutions include Bevan Bailey from Hamilton.

 

Bevan’s goal is to stop spending more than he earns and he’s worked out the steps he’ll take to get there, including living within a budget and not using credit for day to day purchases. He’s starting 2009 with a weekly budget to follow.

 

 

“It was pretty frightening to see it all down in black and white. Did I really spend that much money on entertaining over the last year? And the coffees! Setting it all down really brings it home and I can see that if I don’t want to be in this same position in a year’s time I have to do something now.”

 

Retirement Commissioner Diana Crossan is encouraging other Kiwis to spend a quiet hour or two over the holidays sorting out a financial plan.

 

“Taking a few simple steps now such as setting goals, developing a budget and managing your cash flow will pay off later in the year.”

 

There’s also a free step-by-step financial guide available. The 16 page booklet: ‘Sorted - Your guide to getting there’ is available from ANZ and National Bank branches and some Pak’n Save stores in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch. You can also order the free guide by calling 0800 SORT MONEY (0800 767 866) or online at www.sorted.org.nz/ordering.

 

Note: Please find below tips for getting your finances on track in 2009.

Janice Rodenburg

Retirement Commission

M: 021 705 301

E: Janice@rodenburg.co.nz

 

Catriona Robertson  

Retirement Commission               

T: 04 494 6243
M: 021 242 7936
E: catriona.robertson@retirement.org.nz

Tips for getting your finances on track in 2009

• Set goals

Write them down, put a timeframe on them, and keep them where you can refer back to them regularly. Use the My Goals worksheet on sorted.org.nz and you can sign up for reminders by TXT or email. http://www.sorted.org.nz/calculators/my-goals/

• Make a budget

Making a budget that suits you can be one of your most powerful tools for getting ahead financially. The Budget calculator on sorted.org.nz makes it easy.
http://www.sorted.org.nz/calculators/budget/

• Manage your cash flow

A budget helps you plan where your money should be going, cashflow shows you where the money goes in reality. After you’ve completed your budget, track your actual spending with the Cashflow calculator. http://www.sorted.org.nz/calculators/cashflow/

Or before you go shopping, find out the true cost of paying for your purchases with Sorted’s spendometer. http://www.sorted.org.nz/spendometer/

• Control your debt

Debt isn’t all bad, but allowing it to get out of control is. Find out what your options are in Sorted’s Managing debt section.
http://www.sorted.org.nz/home/sorted-sections/managing-debt

• Start saving

Regular saving can help you towards a specific goal (like a new car or a holiday) or longer term plans (like retirement or buying a house). The Regular savings calculator on sorted.org.nz shows how much your savings will add up to over time. http://www.sorted.org.nz/calculators/regular-savings/