Cost of living pressure in Australia is creating “cutback fatigue” as consumers try to save as well as cope with rising bills.
The National Australia Bank’s latest Wellbeing Survey, conducted in the fourth quarter of 2025, showed that young adults were the group most likely to be saving.
The survey found that 89 percent of women aged 18 to 29, and 85 percent of men of the same age, were actively putting money aside.
Many were simplifying their finances by consolidating debt.
NAB Retail Executive Belinda Mamet said even though “cutback fatigue” was hitting hard, overall 75 percent of people said they were trying to save.
Ms Mamet said young adults deserved credit for how hard they had been budgeting.
“People have worked incredibly hard to manage rising costs over the past few years,” she said.
“Budgeting can feel like fitness – you can’t be perfect all the time, and you can’t sprint forever.
“If you’re exhausted with cutback fatigue, don’t cut more, just don’t quit what you’re already doing. Small, repeatable actions can make a big difference.”
Ms Mamet said the New Year was a “natural moment” to reset spending patterns to help you feel back in control.
