Frequently Asked Questions

Is your service free?

Yes. Our services are free, confidential, and available to people living in Southland.

Do I need to be in financial crisis to get help?

No. You don’t need to be in crisis to meet with a Financial Mentor. We can help with budgeting, debt, planning ahead, understanding your options, and building confidence with money.

Will you judge me for my financial situation?

Absolutely not. We provide a safe, respectful, and non-judgemental environment where you can talk openly about your situation and explore your options.

What happens at the first appointment?

Your Financial Mentor will take time to understand your situation, listen to your concerns, explain your options, and work with you to identify the next steps. There is no pressure and no obligation to take any particular course of action.

How can I prepare for my first meeting with a Financial Mentor?

To get the most from your appointment, it helps to bring as much up-to-date information as possible. The more information you can provide, the easier it is for your Financial Mentor to understand your situation and work with you to explore your options.

For a General Appointment

Please bring:

  • Recent bank statements
  • Proof of income (wages, benefits, pensions, etc.)
  • Details of your regular expenses and bills
  • Any letters, emails, or statements from creditors
  • Current balances for any debts or overdue accounts

For a KiwiSaver Hardship Application

Please bring:

  • Statements or accounts for all debts
  • Three months of bank statements
  • Proof of income
  • The name of your KiwiSaver provider

For Insolvency Advice

Please bring:

  • Details of all debts, including who they are owed to and the amounts owing
  • Bank account details
  • KiwiSaver details
  • Your IRD number
  • Your passport number (if applicable)
  • Details of an alternative trusted contact person (name, address, and phone number)

If additional information is needed, your Financial Mentor will let you know.

Don’t worry if you can’t gather everything before your appointment — we’re here to help, and bringing what you can is a great first step.

Can you help with debt?

Yes. We can help you understand your debts, communicate with creditors, explore repayment options, and discuss formal insolvency options where appropriate.

Can you contact creditors on my behalf?

Yes. With your permission, we can work with creditors, service providers, and government agencies to help resolve issues and advocate on your behalf.

Can you help with KiwiSaver hardship applications?

Yes. We can help you understand the process, assess whether you may be eligible, and assist with preparing an application.

What is Insolvency Support?

If you’re struggling with unmanageable debt, we can help you understand the insolvency options available in New Zealand, including No Asset Procedures (NAP), Debt Repayment Orders (DRO), and Bankruptcy. We’ll explain the implications of each option so you can make an informed decision about the path that is right for you.

What is Total Money Management (TMM)?

Total Money Management is a voluntary service that provides practical support with managing bills and essential expenses. It may be suitable for people who need short-term support to get back on track or longer-term assistance due to health, disability, or other significant barriers.

What if I don’t have all my paperwork?

That’s okay. Bring whatever information you have and we can help you identify what else may be needed.

How long will I need support for?

Everyone’s situation is different. Some people need only one appointment, while others benefit from ongoing support over several sessions.

Can you help if I receive a benefit from Work and Income?

Yes. We work with people from all walks of life, including those receiving government assistance, wages, pensions, or other sources of income.

Do you offer appointments outside Invercargill?

Yes. We provide services throughout Southland, including appointments and clinics in Invercargill, Gore, Winton, Riverton, and Te Anau communities throughout the region.

I will be sharing lots of personal information. How can I be assured that it will stay private?

We respect your privacy and will keep your personal information confidential in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020. Any information you share with us will be handled securely and only used for the purposes of providing our services, unless required or authorised by law.

We are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and confidential environment where you can discuss your situation openly. Information is only shared with your consent, or where we are legally required to do so.

How do I make an appointment?

You can contact us by phone, email, complete the enquiry form on our website, or visit one of our community clinics to arrange an appointment with a Financial Mentor.

What if I’m not sure whether Jubilee is the right service for me?

That’s okay. Get in touch and have a conversation with us. If we are unable to help directly, we will do our best to connect you with the service or organisation that can. We believe that asking for support is a positive first step.