They say money talks … but it turns out, talk is often cheap!
Money has been a taboo subject for a long time, and while a lot of Australians are getting better at talking about their finances, they’re not always honest …
Lies, lies and more lies
Compare the Market research shows almost half of Australians (47 per cent) have fibbed about their finances in the past year. It’s young people who are under pressure to live the perfect “Instagram lifestyle” who have lied the most.
A staggering 75 per cent of Gen Z-ers admitted to lying, hiding or exaggerating details about their personal finances, including what they earn, what they save, and what they spend.
In a world where everyone seems to have it all under control, it’s no wonder people feel pressure to keep up with the Joneses (or the Kardashians, for that matter). Every lie feeds the toxic trend.
Social comparing is rife
I really do feel sorry for young people today. There has always been pressure on people to attain material wealth and status symbols, but these days, kids are bombarded with constant reminders on their phones.
When we see our friends on holidays, wearing designer clothes and sipping cocktails at fancy parties, it’s natural we want those things too.
Even people who are doing well can feel ashamed about their financial situation when they compare themselves to influencers on social media.
So, for anyone who needs it, here’s a reminder:
It’s all smoke and Instagram filters. And you can be the change you want to see by being a little more honest when you talk about finance with friends and family.
Honesty is the best policy – especially when your decisions impact the household.
Now, here’s the truth
The reality is that most people aren’t doing so well.
Further research from Compare the Market revealed that one in four Australians admit their savings have been going backwards in the past 12 months (20.3 per cent). Concerningly, nearly one in 10 said they had no savings and were in debt (9.3 per cent).
If you know someone who is struggling with money, approach them with kindness and understanding. Help is out there, like the Salvos’ MoneyCare services, and it’s much better to be proactive than to let debt and other financial issues snowball.
Getting money smart
With the end of 2025 around the corner, it’s no surprise that almost half of Australians want to improve their financial position before year’s end (44.7 per cent).
But this isn’t a situation where “fake it till you make it” applies. Focus on making small, realistic changes to your lifestyle and approach to money now.
Be honest with yourself about your spending, saving and if you are in debt, the absolute best financial move you can make is working towards clearing it. This can be hard to do, but committing to ridding yourself of it is the first step to improving your financial health.
Also, educate yourself on basic money management like budgeting and investing, so you can create a path to building your financial future.
Be patient and disciplined: Remember, wealth grows gradually over time. And also, the real thing happens offline!
