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.”
Recommended for you
Adviser Ratings has revealed almost 400 advisers joined the FAR in the third quarter but, with just seven weeks to go until the education deadline, more than 1,000 could depart in the upcoming two quarters.
Pengana has appointed a senior fund manager from Tyndall Asset Management to join its Australian equities team, who departs after 18 years.
Advisers are underestimating how much time they spend on non-advice work, creating inefficiencies within their practice which has a financial impact on their bottom line, according to Elemnta.
Hudson Financial Planning has partnered with OpenInvest to launch an online investing solution designed to address Australia’s advice accessibility challenge.

