Relying on relatives: 7.7 million Australians have given a handout
Millions of Australians are dipping into their own pockets to help their loved ones, according to new research by Finder.
A Finder survey of 1,017 respondents revealed 36% – equivalent to 7.7 million people – have provided financial help to a family member or friend over the past year.
The research shows 12% financially supported their parents, while 1 in 10 (10%) gave money to their adult children.
A further 9% handed over cash to a sibling, while 7% helped out a friend.
The top reasons for reaching into their own wallets include help with essential living expenses like rent, groceries and utilities (30%), followed by unexpected medical costs (17%) and paying off debts (12%).
Sarah Megginson, personal finance expert at Finder, said the trend is a stark reminder of how deeply the affordability crisis is cutting across generations.
"Australians are quietly becoming the safety net for their own families, often at the expense of their own financial security.
"This isn't just about generosity – it's survival. Aussies are stepping in because someone they love couldn't make ends meet without them.
"Parents used to help out adult kids with deposits and weddings. Now it's groceries and overdue bills."
Finder's research shows almost 1 in 10 (9%) helped a family member or friend pay for a significant one off purchase such as a car or home appliance.
Extended family members benefited from this informal generosity with 4% helping nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles or cousins.
A small number (3%) have given financial support to a grandparent.
A staggering 6% of Aussies handed over cash to a relative without knowing why they needed it.
Megginson said many Aussies feel obligated to help.
"This kind of support can strain relationships, so make sure to draw up a formal agreement on how much is being loaned and if it needs to be paid back and by when.
"Having really clear expectations around repayments can help you avoid tension and resentment."
Have you provided financial help to a family member or friend in the last 12 months?
| Yes, my parents | 12% |
| Yes, my adult children | 10% |
| Yes, my siblings | 9% |
| Yes, a friend | 7% |
| Yes, my extended family (nephews, nieces, aunt, uncle, cousins etc) | 4% |
| Yes, my grandparents | 3% |
| Yes, other | 1% |
| None of the above | 64% |
| Source: Finder survey of 1,017 respondents, June 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 1,017 respondents from June 2025.
- The Consumer Sentiment Tracker is owned by Finder and operated by Qualtrics.
- The survey has been running monthly since May 2019.
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