Summary

The NAB Wellbeing Index has fallen to a new survey low amid a growing number of Australians feeling less optimistic about the future. Life satisfaction continues to fall in some key areas. Household financial stress also rose for the second straight quarter. Funding retirement remains the key concern. Over 1 in 2 of Australian believe they will need to work longer to retire comfortably. On average, Australians think they will have $705,000 for retirement, but will need $1.032 million, a shortfall of $327,000. Over 1 in 3 of us view money as a very significant source of stress in our lives. Most Australians are trying to spend less and save more. As uncertainty rises, labour mobility has slowed. Time spent working from home has also fallen to a survey low.

Australians are also clear on the key issues they believe all political parties should focus on during the upcoming election: cost of living, affordable, high-quality healthcare and housing, a stable and strong economy, and reliable and reasonably priced energy.

The survey highlights the growing importance of optimism in Australia. Being an optimist means much more than simply being positive. The Centre for Optimism defines it as “an expectation that good things will happen and that things will work out in the end.” Optimism is aligned with hope. And it matters. Optimistic individuals and communities are more likely to take risks, problem solve, invest in new ideas, build stronger relationships and cope better with adversity. Optimism can coexist with current struggles, doubts, and difficulties.

Read the full reports here: NAB Australian Wellbeing Survey (Q1 2025) Summary

NAB Australian Wellbeing Insights (April 2025) – Optimism