Adulting’s a bummer: 2 in 3 Aussies struggle with everyday responsibilities
From changing a light bulb to lodging a tax return, millions of Australians are clueless when it comes to everyday tasks, according to new research by Finder.
A Finder survey of 1,014 respondents revealed 2 in 3 Australians (66%) – equivalent to 14.1 million people – struggle with some aspect of 'adulting'.
The research shows investing in shares is the most elusive, with 35% of Aussies saying they don't know how to do this.
Almost 1 in 3 (31%) don't know how to change a tyre, while 23% say they don't know how to check the fuse box in a power outage.
Sarah Megginson, personal finance expert at Finder, said a worrying number of Aussies are struggling with the basics.
"It's alarming how many Australians are winging it through adulthood.
"Some are out of their depth when it comes to handling life ranging from incompetence to ignorance."
Finder's research shows 1 in 5 (21%) don't know how to negotiate a better deal on a financial product such as a home loan.
Lodging a tax return (17%), claiming on health insurance benefits (16%) and making an insurance claim (15%) round out the top 7 'adult tasks' that Aussies are clueless about.
Shockingly, 11% of Aussies don't know how to use a dishwasher or a washing machine.
One in ten (10%) don't know how to get a refund for a faulty product, while the same proportion admit they don't know how to book an appointment.
The research found a significant generational divide, with 37% of Gen Z unaware of how to change a tyre, compared to just 20% of Baby Boomers.
Worryingly, 14% of Aussies admit they don't know how to save money, and more than 1 in 10 (11%) don't know how to create a budget.
"This financial illiteracy can have serious financial implications down the track. Aussies can't afford to bury their heads in the sand."
Megginson urged Aussies with children at home to teach their offspring essential life skills including budgeting, cleaning, and household maintenance.
"Time spent learning things like household and money management can go a long way.
"For those who have already flown the nest – look to upskill yourself through courses or diving in headfirst.
"Sometimes the best way to learn is by doing. Set yourself a goal of accomplishing an 'adult' task you've been procrastinating on.
"Adulting doesn't come with a manual, but it's never too late to learn."
Do you not know how to do any of the following 'adult tasks'?
| Investing in shares | 35% |
| Changing a tyre | 31% |
| Checking the fuse box in a power outage | 23% |
| Asking for/negotiating on a better deal on financial products (e.g. home loans) | 21% |
| Lodging a tax return | 17% |
| How to claim health insurance benefits (e.g. when visiting the doctor or physio) | 16% |
| Make an insurance claim | 15% |
| Saving money | 14% |
| Changing a lightbulb | 13% |
| Creating a budget | 11% |
| Using a dishwasher | 11% |
| Using a washing machine | 11% |
| Getting a refund or exchange on an incorrect or broken product | 10% |
| Booking an appointment | 10% |
| None of the above | 34% |
| Source: Finder survey of 1,014 respondents, July 2025 |  |
Methodology
- Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker is a monthly recurring nationally representative survey of more than 60,000 respondents.
- Figures in this release are based on 1,014 respondents from July 2025.
- The Consumer Sentiment Tracker is owned by Finder and operated by Qualtrics.
- The survey has been running monthly since May 2019.
Sources
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