Canstar reveals how Australians stack up in saving for emergency spending

A new survey has revealed Australians are unprepared for unexpected bills - but there’s one simple trick to saving.

A striking amount of Australians are not financially prepared for unexpected bills, according to a new consumer survey.

Around two in five Australians don’t have emergency savings set aside for urgent or unexpected costs, a new Canstar survey of more than 1000 people has revealed.

“It’s critical Australians have some cash set aside in case of an emergency,” Canstar editor-at-large Effie Zahos said.

“Even a few hundred dollars is better than nothing – if life throws you a curveball, you want to be prepared.”

Emergency savings funds are those set aside for unforeseen costs like urgent mechanical repairs, vet bills or when shifts are cut at work.

Around two in five Australians don’t have any emergency savings, according to Canstar. Picture: Supplied

Ms Zahos said the average amount set aside for a rainy day was “reassuring” at $8052.

“This could be enough to cover a few months’ worth of rent or mortgage repayments or nearly a year’s worth of groceries,” Ms Zahos said.

Less than half of those living in Western Australia and South Australia have an emergency fund, while in Queensland and NSW, more than 60 per cent of residents are financially prepared for unexpected costs.

Canstar has revealed their top tips for getting your savings back on track:

Save a little, a lot

One-quarter of those with an emergency fund contributed to it every time they got paid.

Almost 70 per cent added to it whenever they could.

“If you can’t save a large amount, it’s still important to try and set regular money aside whenever possible,” Ms Zahos said.

“Even saving just $10 a week will net you $520 in a year, while $20 a week will grow to $1040 in a year, which is a decent amount you can build on.”

Canstar suggests setting up an automatic transfer scheduled each week on payday.

Roundup spending

Some banks offer a feature on transaction accounts that round purchases up to the nearest dollar and transfer the change into a savings account.

Rounding up just $20 a month will add up to an additional $240 in emergency savings each year.

Roundup features on savings accounts can help make saving easier. Picture: Supplied

Add your tax return to savings

Sending lump sum payments like tax returns, work bonuses or leave payouts straight to savings is an easy way to cushion emergency funds.

Shop around for a high interest rate

Climbing interest rates spell bad news for homeowners, but they are a bonus for people with savings accounts.

“If you’re unsure what your current savings account is doing, it‘s time to review your rate and see how it stacks up,” Ms Zahos said.

There are savings account rates as high as 3 per cent for 14-35 year olds.

“If you’re planning to switch savings accounts, make sure you’re across any account conditions before jumping ship,” Ms Zahos warned.

Some accounts require you to meet certain criteria, such as depositing a certain amount each month, in order to receive a higher interest rate.