When did you last give your finances a proper health check? If the answer is “I’m not sure”, you’re not alone.  

A staggering 45% of Australian adults lack the basic financial literacy needed to navigate today’s economic and financial world. Millions of Australians aren’t confidently able to manage savings, tackle debt, or grasp how shifting interest rates impact them. Gaining a clear picture of the economy is essential for you to make the best possible choices with your own money.  

We’ve entered an era of "frictionless" spending, where digital taps and "buy now, pay later" tools make money feel invisible. UNSW Economics Professor Isabella Dobrescu breaks down why this convenience could be working against you, and how you can get a handle on your finances. 

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Need to sharpen your financial literacy? Access evidence-based learning through RBA Education Resources or visit Moneysmart, a free, independent site managed by ASIC to help you make informed financial decisions. 

Want to hear more about the future of money? Listen to our episode with UNSW Scientia Professor, Richard Holden.  

The Business Of podcast is brought to you by the University of New South Wales Business School, produced with Deadset Studios. It’s hosted by Dr Juliet Bourke, and the transcript can be found on our website. 

Want to follow the latest research and news from UNSW Business School and AGSM @ UNSW Business School? Subscribe to our industry stories at BusinessThink and follow UNSW Business School and AGSM on LinkedIn. Or listen to more episodes of The Business Of and subscribe to our UNSW Business School and AGSM channels on YouTube. 

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this show was made.