Presbyterian Support Otago financial mentor Michael Allan says communication is key to managing your cash. Presbyterian Support Otago provides a free financial mentor service for people facing money challenges across the region. The fully funded Ministry of Social Development initiative helps clients navigate rising living costs and the pitfalls of buy now, pay later schemes. Financial mentor Michael Allan said the initial step was frequently the most difficult. "If you just don’t pay your rent for a few weeks, the landlord goes, ‘what’s happening?

Source: Otago Daily Times March 14, 2026 16:24 UTC