When Sereana moved to Auckland, she was excited about creating a home of her own for her children. Having lived with her parents, she longed for independence but the transition brought unexpected challenges.
She was now responsible for rent, bills, and every other expense that comes with running a household. On top of that, she still wanted to give her children the small treats and rewards that brought them joy.
The shift was overwhelming. Without clear systems in place, money slipped through her fingers. Much of it went to things that weren’t truly necessary, and debt began to pile up. She soon felt the overwhelming pressure of being trapped in a debt-cycle with no idea how to escape from it.
It was during this time that Sereana heard about Visionwest. Through family, social media, and online searches, she discovered the wide range of services offered. What caught her attention most, however, was the Money Mentors financial mentoring programme. Feeling nervous but hopeful, she reached out to make an appointment.
At the first meeting with her mentor, Mahesha, something shifted. Although naturally shy and hesitant to open up, Sereana felt safe in her presence. Mahesha’s warm, welcoming nature created a space where she could be honest about her struggles. Together they looked at her financial situation, debts, and spending habits. For the first time, Sereana had someone walking alongside her – not judging but guiding.
Through Visionwest’s Money Mentors, she began to see finances differently. She learned how to prioritise needs over wants and created a plan to first break down the repayment of debt into achievable steps and then begin to actually pay it off. Each time a payment was made, she shared proof and received vouchers to help cover groceries. This practical support made all the difference. Instead of choosing between paying debts or feeding her family, she could do both.
Over the months, debts that once felt impossible to repay disappeared. For the first time in years, she was no longer living one week to the next financially – she felt she had some breathing room and stability. In fact, she was beginning to save money for things that had previously been beyond her means.
Today, Sereana looks back with gratitude. “Without Visionwest and Mahesha, my story would be so different. Now I’m debt-free. I feel financially stable and I’m hopeful for the future.”