People from all walks of life have debt problems

Popping into the Debtfix office to deliver some kelp salt to a Crew member inspired Josie Jackson to apply for a job with the social enterprise that helps people take control of their debt.

Josie is a local legend, well known at the Matakana Farmers’ Market where she sells her divine range of nut butters and edible seaweed salts. Her philosophy is to live sustainably and to help, whether she’s helping the planet or people so it’s not surprising Josie was intrigued by the work going on in the Debtfix office.

At the time there weren’t any jobs available but she got on a bit of a roll and launched into a self-driven programme, learning as much as she could about finance. When a job opportunity came up at Debtfix, Josie took the plunge and became a Debt Navigator in November 2021.

“I’ve been good at budgeting and when I was younger my mum told me to only buy one thing on hire purchase to get a good credit rating, and then never get into debt again,” she says. “At Debtfix I’ve seen that debt does not discriminate. You could be a highly paid dentist or working 40 hours a week at minimum wage and paying high rent, and you find yourself with debt problems.”

It makes Josie’s day when someone sends her an email telling her how they couldn’t see a way out, but she has turned around their financial situation. One of her clients was stoked that with their debts being repaid and a budget they had money left over each week. They had the freedom to put money aside and save up for a new household appliance and create an emergency fund.

“Giving people hope and finding a debt solution is really rewarding.”

Throughout 2022, Josie is keen to continue learning so she can help as many Debtfix clients as possible, and she is looking forward to completing the FinCap Financial Mentor training. This is something all Debtfix crew members go through to give them a sound understanding of budgeting and working with the clients.

In her daily life, Josie is the guru of waste minimisation, and she applies the principles to money as well as other resources. Her school-aged children know about saving for things they want, and the family avoids consumerism, not getting lured into buying lots of unnecessary stuff.

Just for fun, Josie loves reading and often gets lost in a good book. She also loves immersing herself in the bush and getting back to nature, as well as gardening at home. A content woman.

Debt Navigator - Josie Jackson