Low rates cause Aussies to save less than 3 years ago
Latest figures from the RBA show Australians are saving 25% less than they were 3 years ago.
Collectively, we’re putting 26 billion in the bank each quarter, but that figure is down from almost 36 billion back in 2012, which equates to $535 less per quarter.
The data also shows the ratio of savings is also down from 11.2% to 8.5%, meaning we’re putting less of our disposable income towards savings.
Mozo Director, Kirsty Lamont says, “Low savings rates are likely to blame but it’s important not to abandon good savings habits altogether, households should aim to save 10% of their income regardless of rates.”
The average ongoing savings rate is now just 2.31%, down from 3.94% three years ago.
“A slow down in savings may also be down to savers pulling money out of interest earning accounts to pay down debt or dabble in the stockmarket.”
“However, it’s important households have a buffer of savings set aside in case there’s a change in their circumstances, like an increase in interest rates,” said Lamont.
For example, if interest rates were to increase by 0.25% and lenders passed this on, mortgage paying households would need to find an extra $45 per month, based on a $300,000, 30 year mortgage.
Aside from how much we should be saving, Lamont suggests searching the savings account market for the highest paying account possible.
“There are a handful of special offers out there paying over and above the average, so look for an account paying 3% plus for your savings,” said Lamont.
Mozo’s top tips to ramp up savings include:
- Divert any extra cash, like a tax return, towards savings
- Build up a buffer of savings, ideally 10% of your income, create a separate account if need be
- Set yourself a savings goal and timeline e.g. saving enough to cover the cost of Christmas
- Look for a savings account paying an intro or bonus rate of interest
Savings account comparisons on Mozo - rates updated daily
Bonus Saver Account
Maximum rate
standard interest rate
Govt Deposit Guarantee
1.20% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)0.10% p.a.(for $0 and over)Yes up to $250,000Bonus rate when at least $20 is deposited each month and five Visa Debit transactions are made each month using linked Everyday or Glide transaction accounts.
Winner of a Mozo Experts Choice Award 2021 in the Regular Saver category. No monthly account fees and no minimum balance requirements.
Bonus Saver Account
Winner of a Mozo Experts Choice Award 2021 in the Regular Saver category. No monthly account fees and no minimum balance requirements.
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- Bonus rate when at least $20 is deposited each month and five Visa Debit transactions are made each month using linked Everyday or Glide transaction accounts.
- Access
- BPay, Phone banking, Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- Must link to a transaction account
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Bonus Saver Account
Serious Saver
Maximum rate
standard interest rate
Govt Deposit Guarantee
0.30% p.a. (for $0 to $1,000,000)0.15% p.a.(for $0 and over)Yes up to $250,000No withdrawals in the month. Bonus rate for first 4 months, reverting to 0.15% rate after*
$0 monthly account fee. Link to any Australian bank account.
Serious Saver
$0 monthly account fee. Link to any Australian bank account.
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- No withdrawals in the month. Bonus rate for first 4 months, reverting to 0.15% rate after*
- Access
- Phone banking, Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Serious Saver
Hero Saver
Maximum rate
standard interest rate
Govt Deposit Guarantee
0.80% p.a. (for $0 to $250,001)0.01% p.a.(for $0 to $5,000,000)Yes up to $250,000Minimum deposit of $200 and no withdrawals in the month.
Interest is calculated daily and paid monthly. Automatic payment feature. No minimum opening balance needed.
Hero Saver
Interest is calculated daily and paid monthly. Automatic payment feature. No minimum opening balance needed.
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- Minimum deposit of $200 and no withdrawals in the month.
- Access
- Phone banking, Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Hero Saver
Online Saver
Maximum rate
standard interest rate
Govt Deposit Guarantee
1.10% p.a. (for $0 to $500,000)0.35% p.a.(for $0 and over)Yes up to $250,000Bonus rate for the first 4 months from account opening
No account keeping fees. No minimum balance required. Unlimited phone and internet transactions.
Online Saver
No account keeping fees. No minimum balance required. Unlimited phone and internet transactions.
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- Bonus rate for the first 4 months from account opening
- Access
- Phone banking, Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- Must link to a transaction account.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Online Saver
Flexi Saver
Maximum rate
standard interest rate
Govt Deposit Guarantee
0.25% p.a. (for $0 to $5,000,000)0.05% p.a.(for $0 to $5,000,000)Yes up to $250,000Increase balance by at least $300 in the month
No upfront or ongoing fees. Unlimited free transactions. Great for regular contributions.
Flexi Saver
No upfront or ongoing fees. Unlimited free transactions. Great for regular contributions.
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- Increase balance by at least $300 in the month (excluding interest)
- Access
- BPay, Branch access, Phone banking, Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Flexi Saver
^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Savings Accounts Awards
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