Financial Worries Surge as Australians Face Economic Challenges
Financial Worries Surge as Australians Face Economic Challenges
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.
In a decade-long analysis, AMP’s recent Financial Wellness report uncovers a growing cloud of financial anxiety looming over Australian workers, with two-thirds expressing some level of financial distress.
Particularly notable is the strain felt by those aged 55 to 59, where almost 40% report moderate to severe stress, highlighting growing concerns as retirement approaches.
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.
Short-term focus is eclipsing long-term financial strategies, with a third of Australians rarely planning for their financial futures.
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.
In a strategic move to reinforce its presence in the Pacific region, ANZ has secured a $2 billion loan guarantee from the Australian government. This 10-year agreement aims to ensure the bank's continued operations across Pacific nations, countering growing regional influences. - read more
The Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) has reported investment returns more than double its initial projections, significantly accelerating the development of social and affordable housing projects nationwide. Established by the Albanese government, the HAFF aims to address housing affordability challenges by funding essential housing initiatives. - read more
The New South Wales (NSW) government has launched the Energy Security Corporation (ESC) with an initial investment of $1 billion, aiming to accelerate key energy projects across the state. This initiative is designed to enhance energy reliability, affordability, and support the transition to clean energy sources. - read more
ANZ Banking Group has reported an 11% increase in profit for its Australia Commercial division over the past year. This growth is attributed to robust lending activities, particularly in the agribusiness and health sectors. - read more
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at mitigating risks in the housing market. Effective February 2026, APRA will impose a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, limiting such loans to 20% of new home lending. This measure applies to both owner-occupiers and investors, with an exemption for new housing developments. - read more
Welcome to our guide on how to avoid falling back into debt after consolidating your debts. Debt consolidation can be a fantastic way to manage multiple financial obligations, combining them into a single, more manageable payment plan. But the journey doesn’t end there. - read more
In the realm of financial wellness, tracking your monthly expenses is a crucial step towards effective debt management. Many Australians grapple with the challenges of keeping their debts under control, particularly in a dynamic economic environment. - read more
Managing debt is a crucial aspect of maintaining financial well-being, yet it can often feel like a daunting task. Understanding how debt works and its potential impact on your life is the first step toward gaining control of your finances. In this section, we will delve into the intricacies of debt and outline why a solid financial strategy is essential for effective debt management. - read more
When it comes to managing your finances, planning for the unexpected is a crucial part of staying on top of your budget. An emergency fund serves as your financial safety net, poised to offer support when unforeseen expenses arise. These funds are specifically set aside to cover unexpected costs, like medical emergencies, car repairs, or urgent home maintenance issues. - read more
Welcome to Financial Planning 101: How to Get Ahead of Your Debt! If you're feeling overwhelmed by your financial situation, you're not alone. Many people struggle with managing debt and finding ways to achieve financial stability. - read more