Gentle approach to jobs with purpose
Varied roles helping people and the planet have provided a new member of the Debtfix Crew with great experience to support clients when they are ready to reduce their debt.
When Karen Ludeman describes all the different careers she has had, you sort of wonder how this woman has managed to fit everything in.
The theme through all her jobs was, and still is, a commitment to making something better, from cultivating an organic orchard or giving supportive guidance as a nutritionist and fitness coach.
Before Karen sailed into Debtfix she worked as a deck hand with Sea Cleaners Trust.
Yes, Karen is a real sailor and used to remove rubbish from the marine environment, from Mangawhai to Cape Reinga on the west and east coasts.
“I like jobs with purpose, and I’ve gone from helping people, to helping the environment and now I’m helping people again,” she says.
Karen started her new role with Debtfix in October 2021 and launched into extensive training about insolvency and the debt solutions available to New Zealanders who find themselves swamped with debt.
Also, like most Kiwi, Karen had no idea there were so many options to resolve debt problems and she has discovered debt is impacting on the lives of people from all socio-economic sectors.
“In New Zealand, rent and food prices are high in comparison to income and I wonder how people manage. I used to live on a five-acre property, and we grew everything and anything, which made other bills manageable.”
Now, Karen is in a rental arrangement, and she not only misses growing her own fresh and healthy food, but she also has the expense of paying a lot for fruit and vegetables.
When people contact Debtfix Karen supports them to identify their goals, then she provides them with options, and they decide what is best for them.
“It is definitely rewarding when we help someone improve their situation and take away their stress. Sometimes it can be quite emotional, especially when the person has health issues but removing their stress is particularly gratifying.”
Approaching every case with empathy and in a gentle, non-judgemental manner aligns with Karen’s former career as a nutritionist.
She has learnt that there are many reasons for people finding themselves in a particular position and it is not her place to judge, but rather to find solutions.
She enjoys walking people through the process and says a quick phone call or email could be all it takes for us to answer your question and set you on the right track.
“Our Crew are all friendly and understanding. We know having debt is scary and stressful, and we want to help you. Just reach out to us.”
To achieve balance in her own life, Karen grounds herself in nature as much as possible and she practices belly breathing. If you have never tried belly breathing have a look at New Zealand Health Navigator.
Since leaving her job as a sea cleaner she confesses that it’s a wee bit of a relief that it’s no longer her job to retrieve the road cones stuck in the Mahurangi River mangroves.
However, she probably will sort out something to keep the rubbish out of the ocean.
Contact Debtfix today. You’re not locked into anything and when you’re ready, Karen and the Crew will get you started.
Debtfix Navigator - Karen Ludeman