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.
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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.
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The research shows 12% financially supported their parents, while 1 in 10 (10%) gave money to their adult children.
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A further 9% handed over cash to a sibling, while 7% helped out a friend.
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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%).
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Sarah Megginson, personal finance expert at Finder, said the trend is a stark reminder of how deeply the affordability crisis is cutting across generations.
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"Australians are quietly becoming the safety net for their own families, often at the expense of their own financial security.
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"This isn't just about generosity – it's survival. Aussies are stepping in because someone they love couldn't make ends meet without them.
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"Parents used to help out adult kids with deposits and weddings. Now it's groceries and overdue bills."
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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.
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Extended family members benefited from this informal generosity with 4% helping nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles or cousins.
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A small number (3%) have given financial support to a grandparent.
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A staggering 6% of Aussies handed over cash to a relative without knowing why they needed it.
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Megginson said many Aussies feel obligated to help.
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"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.
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"Having really clear expectations around repayments can help you avoid tension and resentment."
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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 |  |
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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.
Sources
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