My Money Sorted: Kimiorangi

My Money Sorted is our series exploring people's experiences and views about money on their journey to living sorted. Kia ora, he uri tēnei o Ngati Rangiwewehi me Ngai Tamanuhiri, ko Kimiorangi ahau. I’m 28 years old, I am the oldest of five and have three nieces and three nephews who are my whole world. I got my degree in Te Reo Māori and Māori studies at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington. I am the Kaikōkiri – Learning specialist at Te Ara Ahunga Ora, working on Te whai hua – kia ora, Sorted in Schools.

What is the best money advice you’ve been given?

”If it isn’t a necessity and you can’t afford to pay it up front, you don’t need to get it now.” Sometimes FOMO makes this hard, and because I could move some money around, I could get it, but delayed gratification makes me appreciate my value of money and the things I had to work for and wait for.

Are you a spender or a saver?

As much I’d like to think I’m a saver, I’m definitely more of a spender. There are long term goals that I am more diligent at saving towards, but I like to spend my money on making memories and experiences.

What’s a memorable money moment? (success or learning)?

A memorable leaning money moment for me is not applying for more scholarships when I was studying. I only applied for one scholarship when I studied and I was successful, but if I had taken the time to apply for more, my student loan could have been significantly smaller. So if you are studying, or plan to study, definitely see what scholarships are available and go for them!

What makes you feel Sorted when it comes to your money?

Assigning every dollar a job. If I don’t know what I’m doing with my money, then it’s easy for me to spend it without much forethought.

What money beliefs have you inherited from your whānau?

That memories and experiences are more important than money. Money can be made again, but the time that we have with each other is limited and we should make the most of each moment.

What would your bank account say to you right now?

“Don’t buy into the consumerism of Christmas.” I love Christmas and all the magic that comes with this time of year. On top of that I love gifting so Christmas is the perfect opportunity for me to give in to my guilty pleasure of spoiling the people I love, but sometimes I get carried away. Planning my money and savings for Christmas and the summer holidays is a must for a spender like me.

What’s your proudest money moment?

Paying off my hire purchases. I bought my phone and my car with loans. But being able to focus my money and increase those payments and get those bills paid off was pretty cool. I was proud of myself for being able to do that. I am now consumer debt free.

When you think about your retirement, what do you see?

Retirement is still at the pae tawhiti stage for me, but I hope that I can build habits now that will support my retirement so that when I get there, I can spend my days being with whānau and being creative.