What Aussies are saving for in FY27

Out of 2,938 total entries, 1,466 people said paying off debt was their primary goal in FY27. That is nearly 50% of everyone who entered all telling us that what they want before anything else is a clear slate. 

What made this even more interesting was the patterns we saw in these specific goals. Many entrants did not stop at debt, but rather saw it as a first step to achieving bigger and better goals, for example, “I want to pay off my debt so that I can save for a house deposit” or “once I’m debt free I can finally start saving for a holiday to visit family”. This showed us that debt freedom wasn't necessarily the end goal for these entrants, instead it’s what’s standing between them and achieving what truly matters to them. 

Coming in second, 16.5% of entrants (nearly 500 people), were focused on property. Whether that be saving for a first home deposit, keeping up with mortgage payments, or finally getting long-awaited renovations done, home-related goals were one of the most common trends we noticed. 

This comes as no surprise given Australia's current housing landscape. Homeownership feels increasingly out of reach for many, with the realestate.com.au Housing Affordability Report-2026 revealing that a median-income household (earning around $125,000 annually) can afford just 12% of homes sold nationwide.

The fact that Aussies are still saving towards it tells us that the homeownership dream isn't going anywhere, people are just having to save even harder to get there. 

Almost 300 people, making up about 10% of all entrants, stated that family is their primary motivation. These entries were some of the most personal and included saving to fly home and visit loved ones, covering wedding costs, supporting their children's dreams, and even funding IVF treatment. 

These goals are a reminder of the ‘why’ behind saving - it’s rarely about purchasing material items, it’s about using money as a tool that allows us to connect with and support the people who matter most to us. 

Lastly, 6.9% of entrants are focused on their education and career, whether that’s funding a postgrad degree, making a career change, or taking the leap and starting up their own business. This indicates that people are investing in themselves for more security in a constantly changing job market.

Looking at the full picture, the most overarching theme of all goals submitted is freedom. Freedom from debt. Freedom to buy a home. Freedom to be there for family. Freedom to build their own career.

Debt sits at the centre of that picture for a reason. It’s hard to save for a holiday, build a home, or achieve any other goals when monthly repayments are eating away at your income. For nearly half of the entrants, paying off debt isn't simply their financial goal - it’s a stepping stone to what they truly want to achieve. 

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be relied upon as such. Readers should seek independent professional advice tailored to their financial situation before making any decisions.