Background: Within Aotearoa New Zealand (ANZ), disability policy is directed at increasing choices for disabled people. However, funding to individuals remains insufficient to address wider social inequities that exist. While people with learning disability enjoy the freedom of living independently, they can be at risk of poor health outcomes and limited opportunities to fully engage within their community. Method: This qualitative research explored the experience of living independently with 20 adults with learning disability within ANZ. Taking a constructivist perspective, interview transcripts were analysed to develop an understanding of their experience. Multiple readings resulted in comparison and contrast of data. The researchers discussed developing themes before settling on final themes. Results: With regard to money management, two themes were identified. The first illustrates the challenges of managing a budget, while the second highlights what people's limited budgets meant in terms of how they were able to live. Conclusion: This research reinforced previous studies whereby people with learning disability place a high value on having choices. However, it also demonstrated that social inequities within ANZ are not being addressed, as without other financial support, people on a benefit struggled to afford medical and dental care, or holidays and other leisure activities.