Freezing interest and penalties is life changing for people

When we directly experience something, we gain a better understanding of that something.

It’s no surprise that when Fiona Harrison joined the Debtfix Crew she had no idea about the options available to New Zealanders to resolve problem debt. Fiona understood that plenty of people from all walks of life struggle financially and her aspiration to help others motivated her to jump aboard Debtfix in 2019.

Since becoming a Debt Navigator, Fiona has followed the journey of numerous people who were truly drowning in debt and now, they are sailing in calm waters with bright outlooks.

“When we find the right solution for people, like a debt repayment order (DRO) that freezes penalties and interest, it is huge for them,” says Fiona. “Repaying their debt and seeing light at the end of the tunnel is life changing for people.”

Fiona has worked in various careers and been a full-time mum before working with Debtfix, and all her previous roles have focused on helping others. When looking for a healthy lifestyle change, she moved to the Rodney area with her husband and saw a new opportunity to help people resolve their debt problems.

She enjoys working with people who are feeling financially swamped and can’t seem to keep their head above water.

“The debt solution can still be hard work for people, but in the long-term, it pays off for them. When they are at the end and I can tell them they have finished their DRO and start again, it is great.”

Fiona hears many tough stories and many of these have become even tougher as the financial impact of Covid is felt more greatly by people with low incomes or high levels of debt.

More recently, Fiona’s role has progressed to include managing payments made to creditors and looking after Debtfix’s Shipshape and other debt management plans. She continues to have contact with clients and assists with adjusting their payments when changes impact on their income, often occurring as a result of Covid lockdowns.

“It feels great getting people in the right solution at the start and once they are through it all, receiving that little ‘hey thank you’.”

Fiona works part-time at Debtfix and her days away from the office are filled with yoga, family life and walks by the beach – all contributing to her health and well-being.

Debtfix Navigator - Fiona Harrison