Supporting people to choose the debt solution that works for them
With more knowledge about money and debt, people can make informed choices, but what one person chooses to do may not be the same as another. Debtfix Crew member, Mason McKean, wants to empower people and guide them so they make choices that are right for them at that time.
He says, “It’s not about what I have done, it’s what they have done. It’s about putting the power back with them – to make their own decisions. That gives them strength.”
In 2020, Mason experienced the impact of Covid on people’s employment and income when he lost his job at Auckland Airport. He was hit by the reality of not knowing what would happen next, but he and his partner considered all their options. Mason had whānau in Snells Beach and the couple liked the idea of moving to the small coastal community north of Auckland.
The pair applied for one job at Debtfix and in a pleasant surprize, both Mason and his partner were offered employment as Debt Navigators. In February 2021, Mason joined the Crew and since then, he has had a steep learning curve.
“It’s been a real eye-opener, learning about finances, the terminology, interest rates, fees and what creditors can and can’t do. It’s not something you learn at school.”
Mason is in his late-20s, and he understands how easily people can slip into debt problems, especially when they are young. Taking one small loan, with weekly repayments of about $20 seems manageable, but when people end up with 10 of these small loans – the situation can get out of control.
He sees the need for debt advice as being far greater than the Crew can currently reach, and his personal preference would be to build a rapport with people, face-to-face. Debtfix works remotely with people, to reach people in every part of New Zealand, however the Crew recognises there are many more people in need of a lifeline to get out of debt.
“We are dealing with grains of sand, and there are only so many people we can reach. I’d like to see Debtfix being more widely accessible.”
The knowledge and professional development Mason has experienced at Debtfix has impacted on his own financial situation and now, he can pay it forward. For example, if he has a kōrero with a friend about their car loan and suggests consolidating their debt to reduce the interest they pay, he has passed on his knowledge. He tells five people, and they tell five people and more New Zealanders take control of their money.
“Covid has been hard, and a lot of people don’t have any savings to fall back on. My job is to reassure and support the people who want our guidance.”
Mason likes the free service Debtfix provides – giving people free advice, up until they opt into a debt solution. He just wants to reach more New Zealanders.
Like many kiwi blokes, Mason is keen on all sports with an oval ball, including rugby, league, and American football. He likes computer games and gets outdoors for a spot of fishing at the local wharf, but he says he doesn’t catch much. Maybe someone could pay it forward and share with Mason where to catch the big fish in the Mahurangi region.
Debtfix Navigator - Mason McKean