Health issues were creating extra challenges for Bridget*. After a surgery, she wasn’t able to work and the mattress she was sleeping on was less comfortable.   

Money was tight. Bridget had some debt that was hard to manage. She and her family made use of Salvation Army food parcels, but walking to collect them was difficult. Bridget had been walking to pick up food parcels or shop for groceries for years. She didn’t have a car and sometimes relied on taxis or family for transport. She wanted a more straightforward way to get to appointments, do her shopping and take her kids to school when the weather was bad.  

Bridget had been working with a financial mentor to try and improve her financial situation. She applied for a no-interest car loan with Good Shepherd. She hadn’t needed a driver’s license before, so sat her license as part of her plan for independent transport. With her license passed and loan approved, Bridget bought her own car.       

Working alongside Good Shepherd and other social services, Bridget continued her efforts to regain control of her finances. Knowing a Good Loan was affordable for her, she sought help to consolidate her debt. A debt consolidation loan helped Bridget move her debt away from high-interest lenders and see her payments making more of an impact. 

Bit by bit, Bridget and her family unlocked opportunities and improved their lives. The Ministry of Social Development had provided the family with a fridge, and Bridget knew she could manage her budget better with a chest freezer. Extending her Good Loan allowed Bridget to buy a freezer, a couch and a bed.   

These items brought relief and benefits that rippled into other parts of life. Feeling better with a furnished house, Bridget enjoyed reconnecting with family, friends and grandchildren through hosting them at home. Being able to transport groceries and freeze food meant meals were more affordable and easier to plan. A bed helped Bridget sleep better and improve her mental and physical wellbeing. 

The options Bridget created through accessing no-interest loans have helped her reduce financial stress and build a happier, healthier life for her family.  

*name has been changed