Personal Finance Advice Guide Launched

New Zealand's Citizens Advice Bureaux and Budget Advice Services today launched a new publication advising people how to manage and save money by budgeting effectively and banking cheaply.

The brochure, aptly entitled Give Yourself a Financial Check-up, has been jointly produced by the New Zealand Federation of Family Budgeting Services and the New Zealand Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux as part of their ongoing efforts to ensure ordinary people have access to the information they need. The ANZ Banking Group (NZ) Ltd supported the production of the brochure.

The brochure covers:
- personal budget planning
- minimising bank fees
- the types of bank accounts on offer
- what to look for when choosing an account
- tips on transaction and credit accounts, and insurance.

Nick Toonen, New Zealand Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux CEO, says the brochure provides important information in a user-friendly and logical form. "The brochure gives lots of practical and simple ideas for gaining more control over your money, and saving money, regardless of your income or who you bank with."

New Zealand Federation of Family Budgeting Services Executive Officer, Raewyn Nielsen, emphasised the importance of careful budgeting and banking. "Budget Advice Services' experience is that by developing and following a simple budget plan and banking in a way that minimises fees life can become much less stressful."

According to Ms Nielsen and Mr Toonen, the support of ANZ has been vital to the brochure being produced. "Our organisations appreciate the generous support of ANZ in funding the publication and assisting us to advise the public on budgeting and banking issues that relate to all banks," Ms Nielsen said.

The brochure is available from the country's 88 Citizens Advice Bureaux and 150 Budget Advisory Services, and will be used by budget advisors as they work with clients.

Citizens Advice Bureau can be contacted free on 0800 FOR CAB (0800 367 222). They can also put you in touch with the nearest Budget Advice Service. "Budget Advice Services" are also listed in the white pages of Telecom directories. The brochure will also available on the internet at www.cab.org.nz.

Ends

© Scoop Media