John | Māngere
“It’s been awhile since I felt stressed. I think the last time was when I had – was just mainly about my finances and stuff like that.
You know working in a job that I didn’t really like, and wasn’t paying too well either but I think most of it was just due to my inability to handle and, manage my money properly. Instead of sitting there and just feeling sorry for myself, I took classes and courses, which helped me to look at finances in a different perspective.
From there I was able to come up with my own budget and stuff, and work a way out that, that I was in control of. The last time I was stressed was actually, ah having $3 left to try and get petrol in the tank, to get to work with it. That was years ago.
Instead of like complaining about the system or the Government or whatever, I think it just comes down to using all the resources, resources that are around you. For me it was a program called, CAP Money, which helps people manage their money properly.
I took this course, and I was able to look at finances, and look at money in a way that suited me, instead of me serving sort of thing. I had power over money for the first time after this course, instead of letting, you know, it having its way over me.
I think for everyone else it just comes down to, I don’t want to swear, but sometimes you just need to harden up, there are a lot of options out there. There’s a lot of resources you can use, and it’s just matter of getting out there and making the most of it, and taking advantage of these things, instead of sitting there and complaining about it. You’re never going to get anywhere. The only way to get things done is to get it done.
I was born and raised in Samoa, but I came here when I was young. Things that I value right now is, honesty, loyalty, and just mainly family. As cliché as it might sound, family is everything, and it’s very important, for me it’s very important to have that support, and that they’re just always there. You know what I mean?
I think just be true. Be true to yourself. Be true to others, whether you get it in return or not, it’s not even about that. I believe in sowing and reaping, and what you sow is what you reap, and whether you reap it in the way that you want to see it, it doesn’t always work like that. Sometimes you reap the things you sow in a way that you never see it. Just be grateful and be thankful, and yeah just be real. Just be true. That’s it.”
**NEED FINANCIAL SUPPORT?**
If you feel stressed about money and need to talk to someone you can contact MoneyTalks NZ on 0800 345 123, or by text on 4029, by email at help@moneytalks.co.nz or by webchat by visiting www.moneytalks.co.nz.
**FEELING STRESSED?**
Check out these resources from the Mental Health Foundation: Stress and how to Handle it and the Five ways to Wellbeing. Need to talk to someone? Free text or call 1737 anytime.
