Treading water at best: 3 in 4 Aussies in same or worse financial position than a year ago
Key takeaways
- 2 in 5 say their finances have remained the same as 12 months ago
- 28% have seen their situation actively deteriorate
- Only 26% feel financially stronger than they did last year.
Australians already struggling to get ahead financially are facing fresh pressure on household budgets, according to new research by Finder.
A Finder survey of 1,011 respondents revealed nearly 3 in 4 Australians (70%) say that their finances have either plateaued or declined.
More than 2 in 5 (42%) remain financially static, while 28% have seen their situation actively deteriorate.
This represents a significant 15.2 million individuals who say their finances have failed to improve over the past 12 months.
Only 1 in 4 Australians (26%) feel financially stronger than they did last year.
Worryingly, 4% of Aussies say they don't know one way or the other.
Sarah Megginson, personal finance expert at Finder, said many families are heading into this fresh economic storm with empty pockets, having had no chance to replenish their savings after years of financial strain.
"Whether it's a sudden rent hike or an emergency dental visit, even a single unplanned expense is enough to tip many households over the edge.
"A renewed surge in inflation brings the very real threat of prolonged high interest rates, or worse, further hikes that could add hundreds to monthly mortgage payments."
Megginson said now is time to review your budget and look for opportunities to save.
"Households should double check every expense to try and find savings, specifically by switching service providers. You can end up paying less for the exact same service.
"Finding small wins on energy, internet and insurance can put thousands of dollars back into a family's pocket over a year and give you a sense of control that you are moving things in the right direction."
Are you in a stronger financial position than you were 12 months ago?
| No, I'm in roughly the same position | 42% |
| No, I'm worse off | 28% |
| Yes | 26% |
| I don't know | 4% |
| Source: Finder survey of 1,011 respondents, February 2026 |  |
Credits
- PR team: Taylor Blackburn, Kate Boddington, Natascha Kwiet-Evans, Jamie Hersch
- Insights research team: Graham Cooke, William Capada, Karen Manalaysay
- Survey operation: Qualtrics
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