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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.

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Mortgagor:
A person who offers to assign an asset as security (e.g. real estate) under a mortgage loan contract. The lender (mortgagee) holds the legal ownership of the security until the loan is repaid and the mortgage is discharged.