These were the findings from the inaugural Financial Stress Index, compiled by global research firm CoreData on behalf of Aussie group, Financial Mindfulness, which indicated financial stress is not only being experienced by low-income households in 2017.ⁱ⁾ 

Findings from the research

Statistics from the Financial Stress Index revealed the following about financially-stressed Aussies:ⁱ⁾

• More than 66% felt money worries led to feelings of fear, anxiety and/or depression
• More than 60% felt their physical health was affected by financial stress
• About 75% said they argued about money with their partner or family
• More than 70% said they had problems sleeping due to money concerns
• Nearly nine out of 10 said they often avoided social functions due to financial stress.

What defines financial stress?

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there are two financial stress indicators—these include financial-stress experiences and missing-out experiences. ⁱⁱ⁾ 

Examples of financial-stress experiences:

• You’re unable to pay various bills on time
• You spend more money than you receive
• You can’t raise $2,000 in a week for something important
• You seek assistance from friends, family or welfare and community groups.

Examples of missing-out experiences:

• You’re not able to afford a night out once a fortnight
• You can’t afford a week-long holiday once a year
• You can’t afford friends or family over for a meal once a month
• You aren’t able to cover any recreational activities.

Actions that could help turn things around

Create a budget

Writing down what you earn, owe and spend could help you to create a workable budget, and at the same time let you quickly identify areas where you could be saving. 

Save a bit of money regularly

Even a small amount of cash deposited on a frequent basis could go a long way towards your savings goals. In fact, 41% of Aussies say they save just a little at a time.ⁱⁱⁱ⁾

Pay cash and avoid credit card use

Credit cards are handy but they’ll often cost you as they typically charge high interest rates on top of the amount you’ve already taken out. 

Put some emergency cash aside

This will help next time you bust your phone or need a last minute trip to the dentist. Plus, an emergency fund means you won’t have to rely on high interest borrowing options. 

Talk money with your partner

One in two Aussie couples admit to arguing about money^iv, so if you haven’t already, sit down and make sure you’re on the same page, and that both parties’ goals are being considered. 

Call other providers

You more than likely have several product and service providers, and figures show you could save more than a grand annually on energy alone just by switching from the highest priced plan to the most competitive on the market.^v)

Consider the value of a back-up plan

Whether it’s life insurance, income protection (which provides up to 75% of your income if you can’t work due to illness or injury), or contents insurance to cover items that may be lost, damaged or stolen, there are a range of insurances that could help should the unexpected happen. 

Care about your future income

The government’s Age Pension alone is unlikely to be able to cover a comfortable or even modest lifestyle in retirement^vi), so putting a little extra into super could reduce the potential of further financial stress later on. 

Where to go for assistance

If you or someone you know are feeling financially stressed, there is help and information available. We are always here to assist. Alternatively, visit the beyondblue website or phone Lifeline on 131 114. 

i CoreData / Financial Mindfulness Financial Stress Index – 2017 full press release 

ii ABS - Household Expenditure Survey, Australia: Summary of Results, 2015-16 

iii ASIC’s MoneySmart – How Australians Save Money table 1 

iv Finder - Heated conversations: 1 in 2 Aussie couples argue about finances 

v Mozo: Sick of high energy bills? Aussies willing to change providers could be saving over $1,000 a year 

vi The ASFA Retirement Standard – June quarter 2017 

© AMP Life Limited. First published January 2018