
Elizabeth* is one of the many Kiwis whose life has been transformed by the CAP Money Course.
Before taking the course, she held a full-time and a part-time job, but still couldn’t make her finances work for her. In fact, she was working nearly 60 hours a week just to make ends meet.
On the first night of the course, Elizabeth saw just how quickly small purchases here and there add up over time.“ What I found was that I was spending up to $50/week onc offees and chocolate bars without really even realising it,” says Elizabeth.
To help track all of her incoming and outgoing money, Elizabeth started using CAP’s online tool – free to anyone who takes the course.
“CAP Money online has a line for every possible expense you should come across in a household. It made my budgeting so simple,” she shares.
To keep better track of her money, Elizabeth draws out a week’s worth of grocery, petrol and pocket money in hard cash.
“I was skeptical because it seemed too simple, but it’s really helped me a lot,” she says. “It’s good because you can see exactly how much you have to spend.”
Setting savings goals is another cornerstone of the CAP Money Course –whether it’s for a holiday, a home or paying off debt! Elizabeth now has a five-year plan in place, and is moving towards her goal of putting down a deposit on a house. “I’d say within the next two to three years I’ll be ready to go!”
“The CAP Money course is such a service to New Zealanders; you meet others in the same situation and it’s free – which is the big difference. Without a doubt, I can say the CAP Money Course changed my life – and I’ve ditched the part-time job!”
*Name changed at request of interviewee