Along with day-to-day money pressures, a lot of people who took part in an Instagram poll carried out by The Daily Aus and CommBank Newsroom said they were looking for clear, practical information that could help them feel more confident about financial decisions.
“A lot of younger people are buying their first homes later in life compared with previous generations, so there’s a longer stretch beforehand where they’re looking for somewhere to put their money. That’s probably one reason we’re seeing more interest in investing.” - Harry Ottley, CommBank Economist
There’s strong demand for straightforward, useful information to help guide financial decisions, particularly as people manage rising living costs while planning for what comes next.
That appetite for clarity and confidence is reflected in The Future According to Us, a research report by The Daily Aus that captures the voices of young Australians across the country.
It suggests that young Australians are optimistic about their own futures, even as they navigate a more challenging financial landscape than generations before them.
Investing leads demand for financial knowledge
Investing and shares were the most common topics raised, accounting for nearly one in three responses.
Young Aussies want help understanding how to get started, including learning about shares, exchange-traded funds, building an investment mix and how investing compares with property.
CommBank Economist Harry Ottley said the results point to longer pathways to home ownership shaping financial behaviour earlier in life.
“A lot of younger people are buying their first homes later in life compared with previous generations, so there’s a longer stretch beforehand where they’re looking for somewhere to put their money,” he said. “That’s probably one reason we’re seeing more interest in investing.”
This reflects broader findings from The Future According to Us, which shows young people are focused on building skills, finding extra income where they can, and looking for ways to set themselves up for the future, financially.
Tax and property questions follow closely
Tax was the second most common topic, making up almost 20 per cent of responses, with people wanting to know about everything from tax returns and PAYG to capital gains tax, franking credits and salary sacrificing, suggesting many respondents are interested in tax considerations that extend beyond basic income tax.
Property and mortgages accounted for 15.6 per cent of responses, covering home loans, refinancing, using home equity and investment properties.
Super and financial basics still matter
Superannuation and general financial literacy each accounted for around 12 per cent of responses.
Some people are also squarely focused on the future, asking about super funds and insurance, as well as everyday topics like budgeting, inflation, debt and credit scores.
Other responses mentioned cryptocurrency, negative gearing and offset accounts, showing a curiosity about more advanced money topics.
*Results are based on 130-140 responses to a poll carried out on The Daily Aus Instagram stories.
