Financial Worries Surge as Australians Face Economic Challenges

1

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Contrary to the escalating stress, merely 13% of those grappling with moderate to severe financial stress had consulted financial advisors. Alternatively, many lean on familial and friendly networks (31%), with digital outlets like Google (27%) and social media (15%) as secondary sources for guidance on financial matters.

Alarmingly, 35% of those experiencing significant financial distress, alongside 30% of their more secure or mildly stressed counterparts, reported no consultation of external resources for financial advice. This situation underlines a substantial opportunity for financial advisors to reach out and fill this advisory gap.

The report sheds light on income's influence on financial stress levels, with those earning between $15,000 and $49,999 bearing the highest stress percentages (32%). Nonetheless, a notable surge from 9% in 2020 to 24% in 2024 is evident among individuals with earnings in the $100,000 to $149,999 bracket.

Overall, the prevalence of moderate to severe financial distress has risen across income categories in the past four years, excluding a decrease observed in earners above the $150,000 threshold.

Exploring the ramifications of these financial strains, the report highlights that over half of Australians (54%) admit to infrequently reserving funds for retirement, and 41% of those under significant financial stress report a reshaping of their life ambitions due to growing economic pressures.

1. Short-term focus is eclipsing long-term financial strategies, with a third of Australians rarely planning for their financial futures.
2. Anticipation of a substantial elevation in living costs in the upcoming two years is held by 52% of the populace, amplifying financial concerns.

As noted in the financial revelatory study originally issued by AMP, Sean O'Malley, a leading executive at AMP Bank, urges Australians to harness the support of financial professionals to navigate and alleviate their financial turmoil.

Published:Thursday, 10th Oct 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

ASIC's Findings Highlight Urgent Need for Reform in Car Finance Lending Practices

04 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently unveiled findings from its comprehensive review of the motor vehicle finance sector, highlighting concerning trends that are likely to prompt a tightening of lending practices across the industry. - read more

Affordable Electric Vehicles: New Low-Interest Loans for Eligible Australians

04 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian government has launched a new initiative to make electric vehicles (EVs) more accessible to a broader segment of the population. This program offers low-interest loans to individuals earning less than $100,000 annually, as well as essential workers, facilitating the purchase of new and used EVs priced up to $55,000. - read more

Surge in Car Loan Delinquencies Sparks Financial Sector Worries

04 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia is witnessing a notable increase in car loan delinquencies, raising alarms about the potential ripple effects on the broader financial sector. This trend reflects the financial strain many Australians are experiencing amid economic challenges. - read more

ASIC Identifies Critical Issues in Australia's Car Finance Sector

19 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently conducted a comprehensive review of the motor vehicle finance sector, uncovering significant concerns regarding lending practices. This examination has highlighted issues such as exorbitant establishment fees and a troubling rate of early loan defaults, raising questions about the adequacy of current lending standards. - read more

Australian Used Car Market Experiences Significant Supply Surge

19 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA), in collaboration with AutoGrab, has released the Mid-2025 Automotive Insights Report, revealing a substantial increase in the supply of used cars in the Australian market. The first half of 2025 saw 1,589,491 vehicles listed for sale, marking an over 30% rise compared to the same period in 2024. This surge in supply is reshaping market dynamics and influencing pricing trends. - read more

New Government Initiative Offers Low-Interest Loans for Electric Vehicles

19 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

In a significant move to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) among Australian businesses, the government has announced a $50 million partnership with Metro Finance to provide low-interest loans for the purchase of EVs. This initiative is designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in transitioning to cleaner transportation options, thereby reducing emissions and energy costs. - read more

ASIC's Findings Highlight Urgent Need for Reform in Car Finance Lending Practices

11 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently unveiled findings from its comprehensive review of the motor vehicle finance sector, highlighting concerning trends that are likely to prompt a tightening of lending practices across the industry. - read more

Click for more Finance News