1.7 million Australians facing debt for life

The survey revealed that 53 per cent (an estimated 9.0 million) of adults are currently in debt, with 10 per cent (an estimated 1.7 million) believing that they will never live debt free.

The survey also showed that the average age when Australians start accumulating debt is 27, and that 19 per cent (3.2 million) saw themselves paying off their debt within the next five years, while 17 per cent (2.9 million) saw themselves sorting out their debt within the next 6 to 20 years.

Finder.com.au spokesperson Michelle Hutchison said Australia has a serious debt issue, and many Australians are too complacent about it.

“We’re now growing up with so much debt and accumulating debt from a young age with the use of tech gadget plans like mobile phones, laptops, iPads and other devices.

“Australians need to be more conscious about the amount of debt they are getting themselves and their families into and work out how they will pay it back before they reach retirement,” she said.