.svg.png)
Bringing together the hearts and minds of the world’s most influential thinkers to shape the economic future for our children and grandchildren.
Australia now has one of the highest household debt levels in the world. Many of us owe nearly twice our annual income. According to the Reserve Bank of Australia, household debt-to-income ratios routinely hover around 180–190%. Meanwhile, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals mortgage debt alone has cracked $2 trillion. We’ve borrowed heavily to fund our dreams, but with credit cards and personal loans piling up, it’s clear we need a better way to manage what we owe before rising rates or a job loss catch us off guard.
A hidden epidemic, gaps in financial literacy, hold countless Australians back. Surveys by ANZ repeatedly reveal fundamental gaps in money knowledge, such as understanding how compound interest truly works or how to compare credit products. Although ASIC’s MoneySmart program provides a wealth of practical tips, many people aren’t even aware that help exists. The University of Melbourne’s HILDA Survey reinforces this picture: when people feel uncertain about managing their money, everyday bills or unexpected expenses can quickly turn into genuine crises.
For decades, owning your own home has been part of the great Australian dream. However, property prices in cities like Sydney and Melbourne have raced ahead of wage growth (Cotality). The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that total mortgage debt has soared beyond $2.4 trillion, leaving new homeowners particularly vulnerable if interest rates rise or the market cools. While real estate can be a solid investment, stretching ourselves too thin to get onto the property ladder can invite serious financial stress down the line. It’s time we reimagine what home means, and fight for real, lasting security for all.
We often talk about the “fair go,” but the facts point to a widening wealth gap. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics confirms the top 20% of households hold the lion’s share of the country’s assets, leaving those on the lower rungs struggling for a foothold. A Productivity Commission report shows that inequality is becoming more entrenched for some groups. In practical terms, this can mean fewer opportunities to invest, build savings, or plan for a secure retirement, especially if you’re already doing it tough. We have a shared responsibility to close the gap, to build a system where financial wellness lifts every Australian.
Even as our economy hums along, the price of essentials, like groceries, power bills, and fuel, keeps inching up. The Consumer Price Index from the ABS consistently shows these living costs rising faster than many pay packets. And according to the Reserve Bank of Australia, even small changes in interest rates can bite into what’s left at the end of the month. Charities like ACOSS warn that it’s the people on the lowest incomes who feel the pinch hardest, often resorting to credit just to cover the basics.
Dan Ariely is a professor at Duke University and a three-time New York Times bestselling author, renowned for his pioneering work in behavioral economics. He is best known for his influential book Predictably Irrational, which explores the hidden forces that shape our decisions. His most recent publication, Misbelief, examines the psychology behind distorted thinking and why people come to embrace false beliefs.
Dan Ariely is a professor at Duke University and a three-time New York Times bestselling author, renowned for his pioneering work in behavioral economics. He is best known for his influential book Predictably Irrational, which explores the hidden forces that shape our decisions. His most recent publication, Misbelief, examines the psychology behind distorted thinking and why people come to embrace false beliefs.
The Financial Wellness Summit brings together world class experts and thought leaders and innovators. Get inspired by the voices that are shaping the future of financial wellness in Australia.
Change can't wait. For decades, owning your own home has been part of the great Australian dream. However, property prices in cities like Sydney and Melbourne have raced ahead of wage growth (Cotality) The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that total mortgage debt has soared beyond $2 trillion, leaving new homeowners particularly vulnerable if interest rates rise or the market cools. While real estate can be a solid investment, stretching ourselves too thin to get onto the property ladder can invite serious financial stress down the line.
WeMoney is Australia’s leading financial wellness platform, empowering people to take control of their money and build healthier financial futures. Through smart technology and a supportive community, WeMoney helps members track spending, manage debt, grow savings, and reach their goals with confidence.
At its core, WeMoney is a vibrant social community where members share experiences, ask questions, and learn from one another. By securely connecting to bank accounts, loans, and investments, the platform delivers real-time insights and personalised recommendations that make money management simple and accessible.
As a leader in Australia’s Open Banking movement, WeMoney harnesses Consumer Data Right (CDR) technology to give members greater control and transparency over their data, unlocking smarter, more personalised financial solutions. Guided by its mission to help Australians achieve true financial wellness, WeMoney is more than an app, its a movement toward a more inclusive and financially confident Australia.
For generations, “A Fair Go” has been Australia’s promise, the belief that everyone deserves the chance to build a secure and hopeful financial life. But today, rising costs and mounting debt are putting that promise at risk. The ideas and solutions shared at the summit will form the foundation of the Fair Go Report, a landmark document that will chart a vision for Australia’s financial wellbeing. The Fair Go Report will capture the insights, innovations, and solutions shared at the WeMoney Financial Wellness Summit, giving you the opportunity to contribute to a roadmap for a fairer financial future. Following the Summit, our team will travel to Canberra to engage with policymakers and ensure these voices are heard. Together, we’re turning conversation into change, because every Australian deserves a fair go.
.png)
