Key Points
- A survey conducted in April revealed two in five Australians have helped a person who's been struggling financially.
- Of the people surveyed, 27 per cent have bought groceries for someone in need.
- Gen Z was the most generous generation surveyed, with 55 per cent helping someone facing cost of living problems.
But that hasn't stopped many of us from continuing to support others where we can.
A survey of 1,080 people conducted in April by comparison website Finder revealed two in five Australians (39 per cent) have lent a helping hand to a friend, family member, colleague, or even stranger, who's been struggling financially.
More than a quarter (27 per cent) bought groceries for someone in need, while one in 10 (9 per cent) paid their household bills.
Credit: SBS
"Every part of your household bills are going up: energy prices, groceries, fuel, and then rent or mortgage … so that's where people are struggling the most, and that's where we've seen a lot of people kind of stepping up and helping out," Finder money expert Sarah Megginson told SBS News.
She said providing people with free or discounted shelter, in particular, was "really substantial" given it's "the most expensive bill or expense that everyone is dealing with".
"We're not just talking about chipping in for the odd grocery bill or covering an Uber. Giving someone housing is actually a really incredible gift and can change people's lives," she said.
On top of helping with everyday costs, 8 per cent people gave mates rates or performed a service for free, 7 per cent helped with medical bills, and 4 per cent paid for school and university fees.
Gen Z was the most generous generation surveyed, with 55 per cent providing help to someone struggling with the cost of living.
Gen Y was the second most charitable (44 per cent), while Gen X (35 per cent) and baby boomers (26 per cent) were the least.
Megginson said the "really generous spirit" of the younger generations was especially significant given they were more likely to have lower incomes, be in less secure work, and have fewer assets.
"I think it just comes down to that feeling that we're all in this together," she said.
"Probably also that it's going to circle around, you know, if I give you a hand now, when I'm in trouble, you're going to remember that and perhaps give me a hand back?"
Credit: SBS
Is that generosity flowing onto charities?
The Australian Red Cross said it had seen a decrease in the number of people donating money and had a "crucial need" for more volunteers due to the cost of living crisis.
"Despite fewer people in a position to donate, those who did give more, with average gifts for this year's fundraising campaign up by 8 per cent compared to last year," a spokesperson told SBS News.
"It is heartening to see that even after the devastating disasters that rocked communities and cities over the last 12 months, impacted communities continue to give back and pay it forward for whoever might next call on Australian Red Cross emergency and community support."
Other charities such as , have previously told SBS News that they've also seen a drop in the number of people being able to provide financial or material support as a result of the cost of living crisis.
Can't afford to give financial support? Here are other ways to help
Megginson said while it was "incredible" that some people were in a position to offer financial support to others during tough times, there are other ways to help that would still make a big difference.
She said taking a friend or family member's children to school when they have to work was one way to offer support that would help them to "keep their income coming in".
"Depending on your situation, you might be able to offer to make some meals for some friends," she said.
"If you're a handyman, and you've got a friend who needs help around their house, or if you're handy with cars, and you can help them when they've got a car issue - all of those types of things just help people avoid having to spend the money with a professional.
"That can be just as important and just as useful as you handing over $50 to help them with groceries."
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