The Commission for Financial Capability (CFFC) has a goal to help New Zealanders improve their money management, and the CFFC’s community manager Peter Cordtz says the first step is to make money a regular topic of conversation.

On a recent visit to Manurewa High School, Peter spoke to a gathering of whanau and encouraged them to talk more about money in the home. "Research shows that what worries kids most is the financial wellbeing of the family. Talking about money at home will help to normalise it.”

A CFFC programme for schools is aimed at helping young people to understand money as a connecting rod between learning and the real world. “Making money is not about becoming rich – it’s about creating well being. Wealthy communities are healthy communities.”

Manurewa High School is one of a few schools selected to pilot the programme. Commerce teachers Gurpreet Kaur and Sandhini Sharma are responsible for its implementation, and have been working with SavY to access speakers for student talks. They plan more events with other guest speakers of interest to our families. They'll also work with teachers to make sure that money is a part of everyday learning in every subject.

If you'd like to find out more about the programme, please get in touch with Gurpreet Kaur.

Families may also be interested in a free six-week Financial Capability workshop to be held at the Manurewa Leisure Centre. Topics include budgeting, debt management, goals and savings, personal money management, Kiwisaver, investing, insurance, wills and buying a house. There's an Info Evening on Tuesday 22 March from 6pm-7pm. Contact phone 356 1530 or email [email protected].

Video about the programme