Navigating Debt: Getting Back in Control (and staying there)

Written By Kim Manunui

Debt. It’s one of those words that instantly makes people feel stressed — but it doesn’t have to. Almost everyone has some level of debt, whether it’s a mortgage, credit card, car loan, or personal lending. The key isn’t avoiding debt altogether — it’s learning how to manage it wisely so it works for you, not against you.

The first step is understanding the difference between good debt and bad debt.

  • Good debt helps you grow financially — things like a home loan, study loan, or an investment that adds long-term value.

  • Bad debt is borrowing for things that don’t last — like clothing, gadgets, or holidays that go on the credit card but aren’t paid off quickly.

If you’re feeling weighed down, don’t panic — there are practical ways to get back in control:
1. Prioritise high-interest debt first.
Focus on clearing credit cards or personal loans that charge the most interest. Even small extra payments can reduce what you owe faster than you think.

2. Consider consolidation.
Sometimes combining multiple debts into one lower-interest loan makes repayment simpler and cheaper. But it’s important to get advice before you do this to make sure it actually saves you money.

3. Keep communication open.
If you’re struggling with repayments, talk to your bank or lender early — they’d rather work out a plan than see you fall behind.

4. Have a forward plan.
Once you’ve cleared the pressure, focus on building an emergency fund and budgeting for the future, so you don’t need to rely on borrowing again.

At Zest Brokers, we often meet people who feel embarrassed or unsure about where to start. Our role is to help you find options, reduce stress, and set up a plan that gets you back in control — one step at a time.

 

Zest Tip:

Debt doesn’t define you — it’s just a chapter. With the right plan (and the right help), you can turn it into a stepping stone toward financial freedom.

 

Zest Brokers – your local team for:
Mortgages | Risk Insurance | KiwiSaver & Investments
Get in touch at
0508 ZEST ME
Taupo@zestbrokers.co.nz

Zest Brokers - Helping Taupō families - Lend. Protect. Grow

 
Kim Manunui

Hi, I’m Kim and I work with a great team to help individuals, as well as small and not so small businesses get their message, product and services to the world using digital media and creating wonderful websites that don’t cost the earth.

I was born in Canada, and grew up around Vancouver and the mountains of British Columbia. My love of pristine environments led me to New Zealand and eventually to the mountains, lakes and rivers of the central North Island which is home. My family’s heritage is here, and it’s from here that Korio traverses the planet.

The digital world is never static and neither are we.

And I say ‘we’ because I work with an awesome group of talented people who I gather together as required to complete a project.  Whatever your business, not-for-profit or individual needs are we gather the best team to get the job done.

Collaboratively we are creative, share sustainable values and work hard for great outcomes because that’s the buzz of satisfaction that drives us.

If you have an audience and market to reach, we can make that happen. Creative design, words that work and smart behind the scenes stuff that cuts through the online noise. We’ll design your website and then build it. We’ll manage the content as well as all your hosting needs. We can handle your online advertising so you get noticed,
and we’ll manage your social media presence so you get the clicks, likes and engagement to grow your business. All within the budget you set, because none of this needs to cost the earth.  And the job doesn’t stop when your website goes live. We are your virtual business partner.

https://www.korio.co.nz
Next

A healthy obsession