Financial Capability Programme A "Life-Changer"

Taking on the role as full-time carer for his elderly mother, Herne quickly realised he had to be smarter with his money for his and his mother’s sake. He signed up for Vaka Tautua’s Financial Capability programme because he felt he had “nothing to lose.” Herne’s life has never been the same.

“I learnt the true meaning of a “want” and a “need” early into this course… “ says Herne.

“What I thought I needed, was really just what I wanted… I justified buying items through classing them as needs… but they weren’t, and I was really getting nowhere [savings].”

By developing a financial plan and budget, and keeping to them by making small lifestyle changes, Herne was able to achieve his 2020 financial goals.

“By sticking to the new budget I set… I was able to achieve my goal of putting enough money away to fix my teeth, which is something I have always wanted to do. And create an emergency fund for my mum,” says Herne.

Herne also reported he is healthier because he is not eating as many takeaways. Rather, the money is being put away.

Herne has set new financial goals for 2021, and is thankful he took part in the programme.

“The programme taught me so much… I have started sharing what I have learnt with my church, family and close friends… so they can achieve their goals,” says Herne.

Vaka Tautua has been delivering financial capability and literacy programmes in the greater Auckland and Wellington regions since 2016. The programmes are focused on increasing Pacific peoples’ financial knowledge, and providing them the tools to make better decisions about their finances and financial futures. The eight-week programmes involves budgeting fundamentals and practical skills, followed by one-on-one financial coaching for extended programmes.

Vaka Tautua is a national Pacific health and social services provider with a strong regional presence in the greater Auckland, Wellington, and Canterbury regions. It delivers disability, mental health, older peoples, social services, and financial capability services.