Tell us a bit about yourself

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I’m originally from India and moved to New Zealand right before COVID. What started as a temporary chapter turned into a meaningful, long-term journey. Navigating a whole new system, (including adjusting to a different currency) and way of life, stretched me in the best ways. Along the way, I’ve come to really value the work-life balance, the natural beauty of Aotearoa, and the kindness of the people here.

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These days, I work as a Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Services Manager leading the team at The Psychology Group. My daily rhythm includes supporting clients, clinicians, and leading mental health initiatives. Outside of work, I’m a new homeowner in my 30s, learning the ropes of grown-up life with my partner and our Cavoodle, Simba who thinks he's the real boss of the household.

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What matters most to me right now is living with intention whether that’s in how I manage my time, nurture relationships, or care for my wellbeing. I’m focusing on building a calm, meaningful life that feels aligned from the inside out.

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What's your money story?

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My relationship with money has evolved a lot from just getting by as a student on minimum wage, to feeling more in control and intentional about my finances. Back when I started in NZ, I was learning everything from scratch: how to budget in a new currency, juggle part-time work, and figure out how to stretch every dollar. It was a steep curve, but one that shaped my values early on.

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Coming from an Indian heritage, I grew up with strong financial values. My parents taught me the importance of saving, planning, and living within our means. Even pocket money came with a life lesson. Those lessons stuck with me, and while I had a lot of support growing up, becoming financially independent in a new country brought a whole new level of learning and growth.

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Today, I’m in a more comfortable place. That means more flexibility, but it doesn’t mean I’ve stopped worrying about money. I still want results quickly. I like to see things grow whether that’s my savings, returns, or even reward points. I actively look for better finance deals, better returns, and smarter ways to make money work.

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I’ve also learned that comfort isn’t just about avoiding debt it’s about managing it wisely. I made a conscious decision that helped me to support the kind of lifestyle that brings ease and dignity; while still ensuring I plan to invest and save.

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So yes, I still like a little spontaneity, and I’ll spend on things that bring value. But under that is a structure that reflects thought, intention, and a growing sense of security. My journey with money isn’t perfect but it’s mine, and I’m proud of how far it’s come.

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What drew you to BudgetBuddie?

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I’ve been on what you might call a budgeting pilgrimage. I’ve tried everything—Sorted, google sheets, WeMoney, booster, pocketsmith, fudget, spendee, cashnav,  Splitwise, custom spreadsheets with colour-coded tabs (don’t ask), even hand-written trackers during my “low-tech is best” phase. Each tool did something, but none did everything. I was juggling between platforms, switching apps, and still somehow missing the full picture. It started to feel more like a part-time job than a support system.

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Then I came across BudgetBuddie's website. A clean, intuitive dashboard that pulls everything together—Kiwi banks, KiwiSaver, credit cards, expenses, goals—all in one place, in NZ dollars, built for the reality of life here. It was the first time I felt like an app really “got” what I needed. Not just a tracker, but a bird’s-eye view of my financial life.

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I remember waitlisitng as soon as I saw the app announcement. And when the app launched? I genuinely felt excited. Not in a “this will change my life overnight” kind of way—but in a “finally, something that may work” kind of way.

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There’s something deeply satisfying now about opening the app, seeing everything laid out clearly, (maybe even making me see reality of the actual expenditure) and knowing where I stand. It’s helped me feel less reactive and more in control. And in a world where time is short and responsibilities are plenty, that kind of clarity is gold.

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How has BudgetBuddie changed the way you think about and manage your money?

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What’s really shifted for me since using BudgetBuddie is clarity. I’ve always tried to stay on top of things, but I didn’t realise how much I was guessing or underestimating where money was actually going. The thing that changed the game for me was the ability to categorise expenses properly, especially using the Merchants feature.

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Now I could see my patterns. How much I was actually spending on coffee (spoiler: more than I thought), groceries, fuel, subscriptions the works. And it wasn’t about cutting everything back. It was just about becoming more aware and intentional. I could ask, “Is this still worth it?” or “Am I okay with how this adds up?”

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That shift has made a difference. I feel more in control, less surprised by my statements, and more empowered to make changes when I need to. I haven’t had to overhaul my lifestyle just fine-tune it. And that’s what I’m most proud of: building better habits without guilt, just awareness.

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What’s a money goal that really matters to you, and how is BudgetBuddie helping you work towards it?

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Right now, I’m focused on working towards bigger goals: a six-month safety net, savings for Christmas 2025, upcoming vacations, and generally living well.

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When we Simba, we spared no expense: food, day care, vet plans, toys etc. At the time, it felt like we were “just buying bits and pieces.”  BudgetBuddie told us the truth when categories were added to the transactions.

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Since then, we’ve pulled things back (just a little—he’s still adored), and BudgetBuddie helped us track smarter choices without feeling deprived. Not cutting spending completely, just making it intentional. Cancelling subscriptions, I’d forgotten I was paying for (RIP unused Amazon Prime and Disney+), tracking categories, and setting clear savings targets have all made the process feel lighter and more manageable.

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And look, if BudgetBuddie ever added rewards for hitting goals? That’s pure behavioural reinforcement. Give me a free coffee or a cheeky cashback, and I’ll reach my financial goals with precision. Until then, watching my progress grow week by week is reward enough.

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What would you say to someone thinking about using BudgetBuddie?

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If you’re tired of having ten tabs open trying to figure out where your money’s actually going, BudgetBuddie is the calm in the financial chaos. It won’t judge your spending (even if it gently reveals how much you spend on coffee and your doggy), but it will give you the clarity you didn’t know you were missing.

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This app doesn’t just track expenses, it tells a story about money. And once we see that story clearly, it’s really hard to go back to guessing.

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As someone who’s tried every app, spreadsheet, and colour-coded budget system under the sun, I can honestly say BudgetBuddie was the first one that felt like it was built for the way we live here in Aotearoa. And if you’re someone who likes a little structure but still wants freedom? This app gives you both.

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It’s like having a quietly supportive system in your pocket the kind that reminds you your subscriptions are still active, tracks your cashflow, budgets and networth and gently raises an eyebrow when you “accidentally” drop $200 on dog day care in a week.

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BudgetBuddie for me has not added pressure, its just helped. So - Whether you’re just starting out, rebuilding, or refining what you’ve already built, it helps you make smarter choices without needing a finance degree or a spreadsheet obsession. If money is something you’ve been avoiding, this app will help you face it—with a bit of ease, clarity, and maybe even pride.

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