Easy money

If you spend a little time deciding who to vote for in local Council and central Government elections, this could end up making your family better off by hundreds or thousands of dollars each year. 

Instead of voting for a well-known name, you should vote for the candidate or political party whose actions are likely to help you the most. 

If it is difficult to work out who will best serve your interests, remember that throughout the world politicians on the left are mainly concerned with looking after people on low and middle incomes, the environment and social justice. Politicians on the right are mainly concerned with looking after businesses, farmers and those receiving high incomes. 

When deciding who to vote for, avoid relying on social media and instead use trusted sources like the Electoral Commission New Zealand, Home | Elections NZ, which provides official information on enrolment, electorates, voting options, and how to cast a valid vote, including the ability to enrol or update your details online. You can also use Policy.nz - NZ Local Elections 2025 to compare political parties’ policies and better understand where each stands on the issues that matter to you. 

Beware of Easy Money Scams 

To avoid “easy money” scams, be cautious of any offer promising guaranteed high returns with little risk, as genuine investments always involve some level of risk. Ignore unsolicited offers through social media, phone, or email, and never pay upfront fees or use hard-to-trace payment methods like cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or gift cards. Avoiding scams | Consumer Protection 

 

  • Watch for red flags such as “too good to be true” returns, pressure to act quickly, unsolicited offers, and requests for personal information or upfront payments. 
  • Strengthen your security by using two-factor authentication, strong passwords, and seeking independent advice before committing money. 

Common "Easy Money" Scams 

  • Investment Scams: Fake platforms promising high returns on crypto currency or forex trading, often using fake celebrity endorsements. 
  • Job Scams: Offering high pay for minimal work, often involving requests to transfer money on behalf of others as a “money mule.” 
  • Recovery Scams: Scammers target people who have already lost money, promising to recover the lost funds for an upfront fee. 
  • "Hi Mum"/Family Impersonation: Scammers pretend to be a family member with a new number asking for money to pay an urgent bill. Agree on a family code word that you can use to confirm identity. AI tools can copy voices and make videos so it pays to be suspicious of anyone asking for money.  

Useful Links 

Takeaway

Making informed voting decisions and staying alert to scams can strengthen your financial wellbeing over time.

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Increase your income

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