Listen, support and guide towards a debt-free future
Years of working in financial services presented an opportunity for our new Navigator to change course and set her sail into fair winds.
Bev Giles left her 25-year banking career a few years ago with the vision of guiding people to achieve their life, career and business goals. For three days a week, she brings an extensive knowledge of mortgages, personal loans, overdrafts, business loans, debt consolidation loans, and interest rates and fees to the Debtfix crew.
Debtfix allows Bev to take the time to listen to people who need help, and her Navigator role focuses on resolving clients’ debt instead of being restricted by corporate goals. Also, Debtfix’s principles align with her own, that is, educating people and empowering them to make progress rather than continuing in an unproductive cycle.
Bev’s coaching background helps her ask people the right questions to get the information needed to sort out their debt. She likes them to do the talking.
“We offer a set of solutions for people who come to Debtfix but not everyone fits within these solutions. I like thinking outside the square and I have a network of people I can refer clients to.”
Collaborating with helpful agencies and organisations is strongly supported by Debtfix co-founder Christine Liggins, which appeals to Bev.
Covid-19 is affecting people differently throughout New Zealand. Bev notices that when you only hear local stories you don’t understand the full impact and working with Debtfix is increasing her awareness of the challenges throughout the nation’s cities and regions.
“People who have never been unemployed before and have always worked are now faced with understanding their benefit entitlements. They are also dealing with the emotions around their perceptions of being on a benefit and wanting to work. It is a big shift for many people.”
She takes time to listen and reassures them that they are not the only person in this situation, and she knows they didn’t ask to be in this situation. People are relieved to share and resolve their problems and Bev always makes a point of thanking them for contacting Debtfix and giving her their time.
Bev feels great when she helps someone who has struggled to find the help they really need and she can steer them in the right direction. One person was so relieved – she wanted to give Bev a bunch of flowers through the phone.
In her non-work time, Bev enjoys soaking up the rural air - sharing a good walk with her friend and she is a legendary op shopper. She runs courses at the Women’s Centre Rodney, provides professional and complimentary coaching to help people achieve their life and business goals and volunteers for Hospice.
Debtfix Navigator - Bev Giles