Make your money go further
Whether you’ve qualified for a student loan or allowance, have a part-time job or have borrowed money from a family member, it’s good to know where your money is going and how to cover those unexpected costs that can pop up.
Below are some tools and resources that can help you manage your money better. Get a clearer picture of where your money is being spent and what your options are if you need financial assistance.
Setting a realistic budget
A budget is just a simple plan showing you what money you expect to receive and how you intend to spend it.
Sorted, New Zealand’s personal finance site, has some great resource booklets and an online budgeting tool to help you get started:
Sorted free resources Make sure to check out the budgeting booklet.
For free budgeting advice, you can also visit:
- The Fono who offer free budgeting advice to Unitec Students. You can find more information on their services here.
- Your local Citizens Advice Bureau can connect you to a budgeting service that suits your situation. Some Citizen Advice Bureau’s also run regular budgeting clinics.
- The Financial Capability Trust can connect you to budgeting services and financial mentors around New Zealand. Visit their website for more information.
- The Family Services Directory is a directory of service providers that can help you and your family. For more information visit their website.
Our Student Support Advisors can refer you or connect you to a range of financial services and people. Visit their page to find out more information.
How to track your spending
To get a clear picture of what's happening with your cash, it’s a good idea to start tracking your spending. The key to tracking your money is finding a way that works for you and then stick to it. The more accurate you are with tracking your money, the better your understanding of where your money is going. To learn about how to track your money, see the Money Tracking Guide on Sorted.
For more financial advice and support
Below you can find additional financial support and advice to help you on your journey:
- Connect with our Student Support Advisors, who work closely with all of our student support services and can refer you to the right people. You’ll need to make an appointment to see them, visit their page to find out how.
- Talk to one of our Career Advisors for help with your CV or how to maximise your employability. To find out more, see our Careers and Employability Services.
- As well as Student Loans and Allowances, StudyLink may be able to help you out with other financial support. For more information visit their website.
- Looking at part-time jobs that fit around your study? You can start by searching the Student Job Search website, or see what jobs we have on campus.
- From time to time you might need a little support to get you through a tough spot. For one-off short-term support, check to see if you’re eligible for our grants and hardship assistance.
- Most students are eligible for the Community Services Card, which reduces costs of healthcare and services. For more details and how to apply, see the Work and Income website.
- Our Counselling Team can support you through this journey. They’ll work with you to find a solution-based outcome. To make an appointment visit their page.
- Want to find other ways to fund your study? We have a range of scholarships, grants, and awards available, all with a wide variety of criteria including awards for women, school leavers or facing barriers to academic success. For more information and how to apply visit our Scholarships and Awards page.
- Visit the Student Council (Te Kaunihera o Wairaka) space, connect in to chat with the team over FREE food and hot drinks. Visit their page for more infromation.
