In the 1980s the average Australian household had debts totalling about 40% of their disposable income.  In 2006 this ratio had increased to 158% with the costs of housing being the major factor.  Over the past decade income growth has failed to keep up with property prices, with many of the increases in prices driven by government incentives for first home buyers.

Whilst the GFC saw households attempt to reduce their debt levels, rising property prices mean that home buyers are taking on bigger loans than ever before, with mortgage payments thereby taking a larger percentage of disposable income.  According to the Reserve Bank of Australia total mortgage debt in 2010 was 38.2% larger than national household income, with the figure up from 33% in 2009.

Additionally, a recent report from the Melbourne Institute indicated that in the 2010 June quarter, 36.6% of Australians had credit card debt, overhauling the figure of 33.9% for mortgage debt as the most common debt for Australian households..

With this level of debt and a low level of savings, Australian's historical dream of a debt-free home and retirement savings is becoming less of a reality.

To ensure you have a strong savings plan, are debt-free to achieve your dreams of a comfortable life in retirement talk to Andrew Frith, Leenane Templeton's award winning investment advisor.  He is here to assist you in making your dreams reality.  For further information please contact your Newcastle Financial Advisor

For business accounting information contact Newcastle Business Accountant

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