Financial Worries Surge as Australians Face Economic Challenges
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.
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.
Investors seeking exposure to Australia's leading companies have a standout option in 2026. BlackRock's iShares S&P/ASX 20 ETF has been recognised as the Best Australian Shares Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) by Money magazine's 2026 Best of the Best awards. - read more
As Australia enters 2026, the property market continues to exhibit resilience, with certain states poised for notable growth. Recent research from property analytics firm Cotality indicates that 87% of surveyed real estate and finance professionals anticipate home prices to rise over the year, with nearly half expecting growth exceeding 5%. - read more
As 2026 unfolds, Australians are set to experience several significant financial reforms that will impact various aspects of their personal and business finances. Staying informed about these changes is crucial for effective financial planning and decision-making. - read more
Managing debt is a crucial aspect of financial health, especially for millennials in Australia. With student loans, credit cards, and personal loans, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the debt landscape. However, understanding your options and making informed decisions can set you on the path to financial freedom. - read more
A financial setback can happen for various reasons, whether it's due to unexpected medical bills, job loss, or other unforeseen expenses. These setbacks often cause significant challenges in managing your finances. - read more
Creditworthiness represents a cornerstone in the world of finance, serving as the gauge by which lenders assess an individual's reliability in repaying debt. It's this measurement that can open doors to various financing opportunities or, conversely, become a barrier to accessing essential credit lines. So, what is creditworthiness, and why does it matter? - read more
