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Australians putting finances first in 2026

As Aussies settle into 2026, many are turning their attention to their finances. MLCs latest survey reveals that more than half of those surveyed (55%) are making financial stability a top priority in 2026.

Money matters have taken the number one spot over traditional new year resolutions like eating better, exercising more and spending extra time with loved ones.

Age also plays a role in how we’re thinking about our finances. Those aged 31 to 45 are leading the charge, with 62% saying financial concerns are front of mind. They’re closely followed by younger adults aged 18 to 30 (58%), those aged 46 to 60 (52%) and 61 to 79 (46%).

Getting practical with your finances in 2026

Australians are clearly feeling the pinch of rising living costs and economic uncertainty. This trend signals a fundamental shift in mindset. Financial wellbeing is increasingly seen as the foundation for overall health and happiness. Australians are realising that without financial security, other goals become harder to achieve. Australians are realising the importance of getting on top of their finances and managing debt as practical steps that can provide peace of mind in a volatile economy.

Here are four simple tips to give your financial health a glow up in 2026.

Get financial clarity

Budgets are boring … wrong! When you see exactly where your money is going, you can make it work for the things that excite you.

Build an emergency fund

Because your car insurance seems to be due the same week the roof starts leaking, right? Having some money set aside can make days like that less stressful. Small, regular savings add up over time #CompoundInterest, giving you peace of mind when unplanned expenses pop up.

Review your loans and debts

If you have a home loan, ask your lender for a rate review – banks will often negotiate. If you’ve got multiple debts, for example a credit card, Afterpay, a personal loan and mortgage, think about whether there’s a benefit to consolidating your debt, or devise a plan to work out the most effective way to tackling repayments.

Give your super extra love

Consider making additional pretax contributions to your super to boost your balance (within current contribution caps1), setting yourself up for a glorious retirement!

Note: Research commissioned by MLC and conducted by McCrindle. The findings are from an online survey of 1,006 Australians aged 18-79, representative of the Australian population by age, gender and state/territory. Fieldwork was conducted in December 2025.

1 https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/super-for-individuals-and-families/super/growing-and-keeping-track-of-your-super/caps-limits-and-tax-on-super-contributions/concessional-contributions-cap

 

Source: MLC

Hardik Gupta

Senior Paraplanner

Education: Master of Business Administration (Finance & marketing) & Bachelor of technology (B.tech)

Hardik is a financial professional with an MBA in Finance and extensive expertise in financial planning. As a Senior Paraplanner, he brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to helping clients achieve their financial goals.

With significant experience in the financial industry, Hardik excels in creating detailed financial plans, performing comprehensive financial analyses, and supporting financial advisors with client portfolio management. His strong background in finance provides him with a robust understanding of market dynamics, investment strategies, and risk management, enabling him to deliver tailored solutions that align with each client’s unique needs.

In his free time, Hardik enjoys spending quality time with his family, biking, playing snooker, and exploring new culinary delights through cooking.

Mayank Manta

Team Leader

Master’s of Commerce & Bachelor of Commerce

Mayank has 8 years experience in the Financial Services industry, with extensive understanding and in-depth knowledge of Financial Planning.

Mayank enjoys systems and numbers, ensuring that every step that needs to be followed gets done and every step that is unnecessary be removed from the process. Being an open, honest and naturally empathetic person, Mayank goes out of his way to ensure that clients, family and friends are happy and content. In his free time, Mayank enjoys spending quality time with my family, creating lasting memories with the people who matter most to him.

Another activity he enjoys is travelling – exploring new places and experiencing different cultures is something that excites him.

Jack Wyer.

Financial Adviser

Bachelor of Business – Major, Financial Planning

Jack Wyer is a Financial Planning Graduate who has recently commenced his Professional Year with Verity Wealth Solutions. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Majoring in Financial Planning, Jack has demonstrated high achievement, receiving merit awards in both 2021 and 2022. Jack’s passion for helping others and his desire to see others succeed financially have been the driving forces behind his chosen career pathway.

Driven by his passion for financial well-being and his innate ability to connect with others, Jack is dedicated on making an impact on the lives of others. Through his expertise, empathy, and commitment, he strives to empower people to achieve their financial goals.

Alongside his financial planning endeavours, Jack finds joy in spending quality time with friends and family and wants to slowly visit new countries along the way. Jack is also an avid Soccer player, actively playing for a local team. When it comes to supporting a team, Jack goes for Tottenham in the English Premier League.

Jack Wyer’s Adviser Profile