Sydney, 14 May 2025 – New research from digital bank Ubank has revealed that younger Australians remain surprisingly optimistic about their financial futures, despite mounting cost-of-living pressures and concerns around housing affordability.
The study, conducted by NAB Behavioural Economics on behalf of Ubank, surveyed Australians across all age groups and found that 48 per cent of respondents feel positive about the future.
Among 18 to 35-year-olds, optimism was notably strong, with over half expressing confidence in their ability to own a home, start a family, and maintain a healthy savings habit.
Younger Australians also reported higher levels of confidence in finding enjoyable and well-paying employment, and in some cases, owning their own businesses.
However, financial stress remains prevalent: 52 per cent of respondents under 35 identified money as their top concern.
Cost of living was the most cited national issue across all age groups, with concern rising steeply among those aged 26 to 55.
Housing affordability followed closely behind, particularly among Australians in their late twenties and thirties.
Despite these pressures, the survey also found that a majority of Australians—particularly those aged 18 to 25—feel they have some level of control over their lives, a factor which may be contributing to their financial optimism.
The research coincides with the launch of a new budgeting feature by Ubank, called Split Income, which allows customers to automatically divide their pay between spending, bills, and savings accounts on payday. The tool is aimed at helping users manage cash flow and reduce financial stress.
Other features available through the bank’s app include Pay Cycle, which tracks income and upcoming expenses, and Spending Footprint, which provides an overview of customer spending habits by category and merchant.
Brisbane local Steven Uspensky, 26, is among the younger Australians who has managed to achieve a major financial goal.
After prioritising savings while living with family, he purchased his first home in Logan, Queensland. Uspensky said the decision to buy early was about building long-term security rather than wealth accumulation.
While some challenges remain, Ubank’s Chief Customer Experience Officer Andrew Morrison said the findings reflect a generation that is actively engaged with their finances and optimistic about their ability to meet future goals.
The research adds to the ongoing conversation around intergenerational financial pressures and the strategies young Australians are using to navigate a shifting economic landscape.
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