Kavita Khargi helps Rotterdammers as a budget buddy to gain more insight into their financial situation. With her story, she wants to inspire others to become volunteers as well. You make others happy and you benefit from it too.
Khargi helps people who have requested assistance through Budgetmaatjes 010. Coordinators from Budgetmaatjes 010 assess the situation of these applicants. They then determine which budget buddy suits them best. Volunteers can decide how many people they help and when. Khargi does this alongside her work at the municipality. Its an excellent combination. I currently help one person at a time. If the need for assistance decreases, I might be able to help someone else.
Reorganizing Administration
‘For example, one lady went from a salary to a benefit,’ Khargi explains. ‘Due to long COVID, she had concentration problems, making it difficult for her to oversee her new situation. Thats why I reorganized the administration with her. For 3 months, I spent over an hour with her each week, and then she could manage on her own again. Thats what my work yields. Ive learned that you can make others happy with little effort.’
Educational and Fun
Almost anyone can become a budget buddy. If you are digitally skilled and have some patience, absolutely! The people you encounter sometimes dont know how to apply for or change something online. Some are also hesitant to call an agency themselves. For example, because they dont know what to say. Then we do it together. Being a budget buddy is not only very educational but also very enjoyable, she finds. I connect with other buddies. We meet every few weeks to exchange experiences. They are people of all ages. Also working people or students who want to gain experience.
Volunteer Compensation
In return for the work of a budget buddy, there is a volunteer compensation of 25 euros per month. But I chose to forgo that, says Khargi. Then the money stays for Budgetmaatjes 010 itself. My drive is primarily to help many Rotterdammers.
Budgetmaatjes 010
Last year, Budgetmaatjes 010 matched 200 applicants with a budget buddy. This year they aim for 300. Do you also want to become a budget buddy? Or do you need help with financial matters? Then visit the website: budgetmaatjes010.nl. Link opens an external page.
Financial Worries?
Do you have financial worries? And do you want to talk to someone? You are not alone. You can chat anonymously via the page Financial Worries | rotterdam.nl. Link opens an external page. At the bottom right of that page, you can click on the chat button ask a question. A municipal employee will respond there.