ACCOMMODATION PROBLEMS
Let's face it, this is probably your biggest outgoing - accommodation expenses.
There is help for those on a benefit or low income by way of the accommodation supplement. If you have a large mortgage, or are renting, or even post-earthquake have both, then this cost is likely to be a big headache.
Take some time to look around you:
If you would consider taking in a flatmate or boarder be very careful, especially if you have children. If you do advertise be sure to ask for, and check, references.
There is help for those on a benefit or low income by way of the accommodation supplement. If you have a large mortgage, or are renting, or even post-earthquake have both, then this cost is likely to be a big headache.
Take some time to look around you:
- Do you have a spare room?
- Could your children share?
- Would you consider taking in a boarder or flatmate?
- Do you have a friend with whom you could join forces with, and share?
- If you are younger, could you move back home with your parents?
- Could you downgrade to a smaller property or less convenient accommodation
- Will your mortgage provider allow you an "interest free holiday" thus temporarily freeing up some cash?
If you would consider taking in a flatmate or boarder be very careful, especially if you have children. If you do advertise be sure to ask for, and check, references.
Household Items
For help with Furniture, Bedding, Utensils and more try the following:
CHARITY BARNS - Donations from around Christchurch go to the Barns and are sold or given away. Roughly 50% is given away for free, the rest is very cheap. They have furniture, electrical items, household items and more. There is one in Rangiora on the main road out to CHCH/Kaiapoi, opposite Mitre 10. Do email us if you know of other locations.http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/139778/charity-continues-spread-otago
SAVE MART - A well known outfit, warehouses of clothes, bedding, curtains etc all secondhand. Prices tend to be a bit steep, do be careful that you are not paying more than you might have done at The Warehouse, for example. But they can be good for cheap children's clothing especially.
CHARITY BARNS - Donations from around Christchurch go to the Barns and are sold or given away. Roughly 50% is given away for free, the rest is very cheap. They have furniture, electrical items, household items and more. There is one in Rangiora on the main road out to CHCH/Kaiapoi, opposite Mitre 10. Do email us if you know of other locations.http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/139778/charity-continues-spread-otago
SAVE MART - A well known outfit, warehouses of clothes, bedding, curtains etc all secondhand. Prices tend to be a bit steep, do be careful that you are not paying more than you might have done at The Warehouse, for example. But they can be good for cheap children's clothing especially.