Budgeting

A free 45-minute workshop to help you manage your finances — packed full of useful information, tips and tools. For more information, contact Savelina Iosefa-Amoa (s.iosefo-amoa@auckland.ac.nz).

1. List your income over a specific period, for example:
   • The academic year (37 weeks on average).
   • The accounting year (52 weeks).
   • A calendar month (4.33 weeks).
   • A financially difficult time.
2. List your anticipated expenses during this time, ensuring you are honest and realistic.
3. Adjust your income and/or expenditure to balance your budget.
4. Learn to live within your budget.

• A good budgeting and money management website is sorted.org.nz. It has lots of great tips, budget calculators, articles and resources. Visit the Sorted website
• Banks offer fee-free tertiary accounts to students. View their websites for more information.
• Buy the essential textbooks first. Look for up-to-date editions of second-hand books or share expensive textbooks. Most textbooks are also available for use in the University Library. 
• Carefully plan your insurance for your car and items such as computers, cameras and musical equipment essential to courses. 
• If you're an international student, you can purchase a $20 International Student ID Card from STA Travel to ensure maximum long distance travel discounts (eg, on ferries).
• A StudentCard gets you great discounts on everyday items like pizzas, DVD rentals and movie tickets, as well as your power bill and gym membership. Sign up for StudentCard
• Buy public transport fares on campus to get a student discount.

Flatting is usually a lot more expensive than living at home. You'll need to budget very carefully to meet all your expenses.

Create a realistic budget to manage your money, and always allow an amount for any unforeseen expenses.

You can find information and forms for tenants on the Department of Building and Housing website.

Cost of living
Hardship support