When Anika first connected with Birthright, her life was marked by chaos. She was supporting adult children financially, had no savings, and couldn’t even dream of things like taking a weekend trip. She also struggled to keep appointments and had little faith in budgeting support.
Her turning point came with a mindset shift. With support from her Financial Mentor, she began paying off debt and made the tough—but liberating—decision to stop financially supporting her adult kids. She began charging them board, which rebalanced household dynamics and reduced her stress.
With guidance, Anika saved enough for a milestone goal: travelling to Whanganui and staying in a motel for a family birthday celebration. “That’s something I never thought I’d be able to do,” she said.
Today, Anika continues to work with her mentor and is now planning ahead instead of reacting to emergencies. She’s also encouraged her daughter and partner to connect with Birthright services. Her home feels calmer, her finances are under control, and she’s looking ahead to new goals with pride.