During Money Week the Debtfix Crew wanted to know what New Zealanders were wondering about bankruptcy.

We threw some questions out into cyberspace, and you gave us an insight into what you think our people know about the debt solution.

Most significantly, 86 per cent of respondents wanted to reduce the whakamā (shame) people may experience when they are bankrupt.

When people are vulnerable it is so easy for them to pile up mountains of debt, which further adds to their distress and feelings of hopelessness.

Two years ago, Racheal (not her real name) was at a financial and emotional rock-bottom when she turned to Debtfix for help.

Numerous factors put a Kiwi family that had always done well, into a dire financial situation that made them feel like failures. They were desperate until they found Debtfix.

Think of debt like a beautifully kept car, with regular cleaning and maintenance it’ll remain shiny, reliable and functioning. But with a few months or years of neglect, it’ll become messy and at risk of a breakdown.