Media Release

Finder Awards 2019: Australia’s best financial products revealed

  • 45% of Australians stress about their current financial situation
  • 1 in 5 Aussies don't have a single dollar in savings
  • Finder Awards 2019 reveal where Aussies can maximise their savings

26 August 2019, Sydney, Australia –Millions of Australians are living with money worries, according to Finder, Australia's most visited comparison site.

Almost 1 in 5 Aussies (19%) are extremely worried about their financial situation while a further 55% admit they are somewhat stressed – that's a total of 14.5 million Australians who are stressed about their financial situation.

Mortgage and rent topped our list of money worries, with more than 1 in 3 (35%) admitting housing was their top concern. Energy bills (26%), groceries (21%), council rates (18%), health insurance (17%) and credit card bills (14%) also make the list.

Bessie Hassan, money expert at Finder, said it's alarming that so many Aussies are feeling the pinch when it comes to their finances.

"With one of the highest costs of living in the world, Aussies should be taking every opportunity to cut costs where they can – and this doesn't have to mean compromising on quality or features," she said.

Finder has just announced Australia's best financial products and innovations following a rigorous judging process. Products and services across a range of industries including banking, insurance, property, technology and travel were all put under the microscope during the 12-month assessment period.

"We know that reviewing financial products can be time consuming, so we've done the hard work for you.

"These are the cream of the crop. Signing up for market-leading products could help everyday Aussies improve their financial health."

Winners that took out multiple categories included household names such as Westpac, American Express and Budget Direct, as well as new disruptors such as Australia's first digital bank, Up Bank.

UBank's USaver was announced as Best Savings Account, while Freedom Lend's Variable Home loan scooped up the Best Owner-Occupier and Best Low Deposit Home Loan categories.

NobleOak was awarded for Best Life Insurance, while Boost's $30 plan won Best Prepaid SIM (under $40).

Hassan said it was a really exciting time to be a consumer.

"In today's hyper-competitive world it simply doesn't pay to be loyal. When comparing your options online, look out for the gold Finder Awards logo.

"Switching products is a great way to fast-track savings and alleviate financial stress."

To view the full list of winners, head to: www.finder.com.au/finderawards

CategoryProduct rate during
assessment period
Average market rate during
assessment period
Home Loan
(Owner Occupier Variable)
Freedom Lend Variable Home Loan
Average rate over 12 months: 3.54%
4.37%
Credit Card (Balance Transfer)Westpac Low Rate Card
Average rate over 12 months: 13.49%
BT period: 18 Months
BT fee: 0%
18.18%
Average BT period for product range: 11.8 months
Savings AccountUBank USaver
Average rate over 12 months: 2.87%
1.02%

Source: Finder Awards 2019

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Disclaimer

The information in this release is accurate as of the date published, but rates, fees and other product features may have changed. Please see updated product information on finder.com.au's review pages for the current correct values.

About Finder

Every month 2.6 million unique visitors turn to Finder to save money and time, and to make important life choices. We compare virtually everything from credit cards, phone plans, health insurance, travel deals and much more.

Our free service is 100% independently-owned by three Australians: Fred Schebesta, Frank Restuccia and Jeremy Cabral. Since launching in 2006, Finder has helped Aussies find what they need from 1,800+ brands across 100+ categories.

We continue to expand and launch around the globe, and now have offices in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Poland and the Philippines. For further information visit www.finder.com.au.

12.6 million average unique monthly audience (June- September 2019), Nielsen Digital Panel

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