Lack of interest in basic financing grows
Australians are not only unwilling when it comes to seeking financial advice, nearly half are too lazy to even query a high bill with a provider, opting to pay the extra money rather than interact with a representative, finder.com.au data has shown.
Customers were unlikely to confront phone, energy and insurance providers when faced with a pricy bill, with 42 per cent (7.6 million) of Australians paying the excessive bill instead.
“People go into auto-pilot mode and just accept the bill they receive. But it’s time Aussies speak up if they feel ripped off or if they think they’ve been charged an incorrect amount,” finder.com.au money expert, Bessie Hassan said.
“If you think you’re being charged too much, negotiate your bill with your provider.”
Hassan said Baby Boomers were more likely to speak up where excessive bills were concerned (72 per cent) where half (49 per cent) of Gen Y would pay the excess.
“When managing your household bills, and ensuring you’re charged a fair price, ultimately the ball is in your court,” she said.
“Even if you’re on a contract, there’s always wiggle room.”
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My Dealer Services is predicting strong growth in self-licensing next year, citing recent ASIC action against Interprac and the desire for independence as key drivers of the self-licensing trend.
ASIC has handed down a six-month AFSL suspension to MW Planning after the firm failed to replace its banned responsible manager.
Despite the year almost at an end, advisers have been considerably active in licensee switching this week while the profession has reported a slight uptick in numbers.

