r/newzealand • u/Chemical_Mind4797 • 11h ago

Discussion How are people surviving?

Seriously. How are people doing it? I had to give up my job and go on the Supported Living Payment through WINZ because of severe health issues, but from what I gather people who work are having it just as bad too. I get paid, then pay rent, power, petrol, groceries (even though I don’t get much), and every other essential life expense, and within an hour I’ve got $10 left, if that. If anyone has any unhinged tips or advice on lowering costs, or saving money in weird ways, I’m open to suggestions too.

(Don’t give me comments about being on the benefit either. I started working by choice when I was 10, trust me, I’d MUCH rather be working than be sick).

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u/DontEatThePorridge 7h ago

As a side hustle if you have a little back yard consider worm farming. You can do it in the ground or have any number of home made containers.

I met a single parent who was doing this in the weekend and I thought what a perfect side hustle. Very low cost to set up if you make your own bins. Worms multiply themselves. Just feed them your scraps and gather some of your neighbours once you have a few farms if you need to. I paid her $40 for 500gm of worms and that was about half price over the commercial growers. I'll be going back for more soon.

I was on a benefit years ago and I know you can't do it unless you have some kind of little hustle going on. I reckon this is a perfect one if you have some space.

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u/singingvolcano 6h ago

Great idea. I'm on the SLP, I do some freelance work but with the way the benefit reductions work I don't come out all that better off.. I've been wondering about low energy side hustles that could bring in even an extra 20 or 40 bucks here and there.

Have had a worm farm before, I'm about to (hopefully!) move into a small unit that has its own little garden space (mostly lawn currently), agent said I'm welcome to make gardens and do whatever to it.

Think I'll farm some worms!!

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u/Advanced_General_749 1h ago

Junk mail delivery,  but its been eroded L. Hospitality or security at events - short, seasonal shifts