Save
COVID-19 sees Aussies reach record-high wealth
New stats have revealed that Aussies are now richer than ever, having stashed away their cash during a year marred by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic shutdown.

COVID-19 sees Aussies reach record-high wealth
New stats have revealed that Aussies are now richer than ever, having stashed away their cash during a year marred by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic shutdown.

According to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), total household wealth is up 1.7 per cent to a record high $11.351 trillion.
“The September quarter estimate surpassed the previous high of $11,248 billion recorded in December quarter 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said the head of finance and wealth at the ABS, Amanda Seneviratne.
Three main contributors led to the growth in household wealth, with residential assets topping the board following a 1.2 per cent increase in the quarter. Deposits came next with a 5.4 per cent growth, while superannuation balances followed closely following a 1.1 per cent expansion.
Average household wealth increased 1.6 per cent (up $6,850) to $441,649 per person in the September quarter, similar to the growth of 1.5 per cent recorded in the June quarter.
Additionally, the ABS noted, a 0.1 per cent increase in the population was the reason total wealth grew marginally more than average wealth.
“The September quarter 2020 financial accounts reflected improvements in the Australian and global financial markets, as well as a partial recovery of the domestic economy in response to government and RBA policies, and easing social restrictions across most of Australia,” Ms Seneviratne said.
Residential assets rose $86.8 billion, recouping the losses experienced in the June quarter. Holding gains of $73.6 billion on residential assets reflected a rebound in property prices as social distancing measures, such as restrictions on auctions and open house inspections, eased and economic conditions began to improve.
The ABS data also revealed that household deposits increased a record $63.7 billion as households continued to save at elevated levels during the September quarter.
According to the bureau, continuing government income support packages such as JobKeeper, economic support payments and early access to superannuation were the key drivers of the increase in deposits.

Savings account
Saving more during the pandemic? Here’s where that money should go
If you’re finding that you’re saving more during the pandemic, you’re not alone. ...Read more

Savings account
Aussie savings goals put on hold due to COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has seen Australians being forced to dip into their life savings, which is impacting their ability to achieve financial goals, new research has found. ...Read more

Savings account
The 4 types of COVID-19 consumers: Which one are you?
Australians are still living in fear of worsening economic conditions, with a study revealing changed spending behaviours across the board despite varying levels of individual financial impact. ...Read more

Savings account
Are you a victim of financial abuse? 22 questions to consider
An “invisible” form of abuse, family violence that uses money as a method of control and coercion, is a real issue in Australia. ...Read more

Savings account
Another $750 payment on way for pensioners
From today, the second cash payment that has formed part of the Australian government’s economic response to the coronavirus will be made available. ...Read more

Savings account
Big 4 bank busts out 3 per cent savings interest rate
But not everyone is eligible for the new rate, which is far beyond anything else on offer from an Australian bank. Are you? ...Read more

Savings account
Bank balances reveal Aussies are prepping for life post-COVID
Australians are bunkering down for life post-COVID-19, with new analysis revealing median bank balances are up 45 per cent from the pre-pandemic period. ...Read more

Savings account
What might Virgin’s administration mean for your Velocity points?
Virgin’s administration isn’t likely to spell the end of the airline’s Velocity program, so it’s still worth holding on to those points balances, a credit card expert has advised. ...Read more

Savings account
Saving more during the pandemic? Here’s where that money should go
If you’re finding that you’re saving more during the pandemic, you’re not alone. ...Read more

Savings account
Aussie savings goals put on hold due to COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has seen Australians being forced to dip into their life savings, which is impacting their ability to achieve financial goals, new research has found. ...Read more

Savings account
The 4 types of COVID-19 consumers: Which one are you?
Australians are still living in fear of worsening economic conditions, with a study revealing changed spending behaviours across the board despite varying levels of individual financial impact. ...Read more

Savings account
Are you a victim of financial abuse? 22 questions to consider
An “invisible” form of abuse, family violence that uses money as a method of control and coercion, is a real issue in Australia. ...Read more

Savings account
Another $750 payment on way for pensioners
From today, the second cash payment that has formed part of the Australian government’s economic response to the coronavirus will be made available. ...Read more

Savings account
Big 4 bank busts out 3 per cent savings interest rate
But not everyone is eligible for the new rate, which is far beyond anything else on offer from an Australian bank. Are you? ...Read more

Savings account
Bank balances reveal Aussies are prepping for life post-COVID
Australians are bunkering down for life post-COVID-19, with new analysis revealing median bank balances are up 45 per cent from the pre-pandemic period. ...Read more

Savings account
What might Virgin’s administration mean for your Velocity points?
Virgin’s administration isn’t likely to spell the end of the airline’s Velocity program, so it’s still worth holding on to those points balances, a credit card expert has advised. ...Read more