Debt gets talked about like it’s a personal failure.

Like if you were just more disciplined, more organised, better with money — it wouldn’t exist.

That’s not the reality for a lot of people.

In this episode, I talk about debt from a real-life perspective — for people working one or two jobs, raising kids, living on the benefit, and still barely getting by.

We talk about: • why debt is often about pressure, not spending • why “just budget better” advice misses the point • what actually helps when there’s no spare money • how to think about stability before repayment • and why this isn’t your fault

This isn’t a step-by-step plan to become debt-free overnight.

It’s a calmer, more honest conversation about money, survival, and navigating a system that makes things harder for a lot of whānau — especially Māori.

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