You would be hard pressed to find an adult in New Zealand who doesn’t have some debt, because even signing up for electricity supply or mobile phone plans are both forms of debt.

The Debtfix Crew has noticed many people have similar experiences when debt threatens to swamp them.

What are some warning signs your debt is getting out of control?

No matter what’s been going on in your world this year with lockdowns, restrictions, or not much difference in your neighbourhood – we all know Christmas is coming.

This year it threatens to be a biggie because people just want to have a good time. However, the one thing the Debtfix Crew wishes for all friends and whānau is a debt-free celebration that leads to a positive start to 2022.

Ending a relationship, moving back to New Zealand and hunting for a new job all created debt problems that seemed like the only solution was bankruptcy. When Peter Walsh decided it was time to leave Australia and start over in the South Island, he had debt from across the ditch and he racked up more at his new home while he looked for a job.

“I needed a car and I borrowed from the bank for this,” says Peter.

Going to the doctor or dentist can be too costly for many New Zealanders and lots of everyday people delay or never get healthcare because they can’t afford it. This greatly concerns the entire Debtfix Crew especially when treating medical or dental problems when they are small is the cheapest way of managing your health.

Delaying healthcare can cost you a lot more than money.

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.

For the past decade New Zealand has had relatively low inflation, with previous peaks occurring after the 2008 global financial crisis, the 2011 GST changes and Christchurch earthquakes.

Therefore, it’s not surprising the Covid pandemic is another major economic event that is creating an increase in inflation in New Zealand.

The gruesome endings for players in Netflix’s hit show Squid Game, may not be exactly what happens to people with money problems. Thank goodness.

However, the violent South Korean drama does reflect the real-life battles faced by those who desperately want to get out of debt.

When New Zealanders get out of lockdown and many of them hit the shops, they may be very surprised if they try to borrow money or buy something with an interest free retailer loan. Borrowers will need to provide much more information, which may be a shock to the system for many people.

While New Zealanders hang in there, staying safe in their lockdown bubbles, many of us are worrying about paying the bills because our income has changed.

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

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.

When people escape from unsafe situations, where domestic abuse threatens to harm children, women or men they often have little more than the clothing on their backs. The Debtfix Crew often hears about the financial fallout for these vulnerable people and now, they are doing their bit, and calling on the community to support I Got Your Back Pack.