Financial Mentors

Our FREE financial mentoring service is here to support you if you are feeling overwhelmed by your financial circumstances, struggling with debt, and just cannot work out how to get on top of your bills. Our qualified mentors offer a confidential service and non-judgemental advice.

We know that anyone can struggle with money, at anytime - and for a wide variety of reasons - whether it be an ongoing issue, or just in a tight spot right now - we understand that your circumstances are unique to you, and we are here to work with you to help navigate your situation.

Our financial mentors can guide and support you through tough financial circumstances, liaise with creditors on your behalf, and connect you with other organisations that can help.  With the support of our financial mentors, you can take control of your financial well-being and set a course towards a brighter financial future.

This could mean that our financial mentor:

  • supports and empowers you to navigate the system to control your debt by negotiating reduced payments or generating additional resources

  • advocates on your behalf if you are feeling too stressed to negotiate with creditors or other lenders on their own, walking alongside you to support you to manage this

  • Or we may refer you to other providers or supports where appropriate (these can include iwi, Work and Income, health support services, housing providers, etc.)

Our financial mentors can also:

  • support a you and your whānau to set meaningful goals to get control of your financial lives. This can include a focused Financial Plan of Action 

  • assess whether a your and/or your whānau may benefit by sharing and learning in group support such as MoneyMates .

Our financial mentors will not:

  • manage your money for you

  • take control of your bank accounts

How do I book an appointment?

You can phone Community Link on 03 689 6226 to book, pop into Community Link House between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday to make an appointment, or email info@communitylinkwaimate.co.nz , appointments are available on Monday, Tuesday Wednesday between 9am and 3pm.

What should I bring to my appointment?

  • Proof of Identification/Address

  • Bank statements

  • Pay slips

  • Power bills

  • Phone bills

  • Tenancy agreement

  • Loan agreements

  • and any other papers that may be relevant to your current situation.

What is the difference between a Financial Advisor and a Financial Mentor?

Financial Mentor

Financial Mentors provide more than budgeting. They provide a one-on-one service sharing knowledge and information, focusing on empowering people. They work alongside a person, their family and whānau, building trust and taking into account their situation, culture and needs.

  • Usually the service is free.

  • Qualified and part of a service in partnership with FinCap.

Financial Advisor

Financial Advisors give information and advice about financial planning, insurance, investing and other financial services.

  • Usually you pay for their advice.

  • Must be a qualified financial service provider and registered with the Financial Markets Authority (FMA).

Find out who is a registered Financial Advisor

Is there a remote or online support option?

Yes through the Money Talks service - MoneyTalks is available to anyone who needs help with day-to-day money matters like budgeting and debt management

Online: www.moneytalks.co.nz

Phone: 0800 345 123

Email: help@moneytalks.co.nz

Text: 4029

MoneyTalks, has team of knowledgeable and compassionate helpline advisors located across Aotearoa. Their advisors are trained to handle calls, online chats, texts, and emails, ensuring that you can reach them in the way that’s most convenient for you.