Major uptick in Australians leveraging online resources for financial education amid the pandemic.

AMP has today released new insights, based on internal data, highlighting an increased interest in financial education year on year between 2020 and 2021. With the financial impacts of COVID-19 widespread, many Australians used online resources to better educate themselves on topical issues relating to the pandemic.

There was a massive uptick in Australians leveraging free educational articles via AMP’s website between 2020 (pre-pandemic) and 2021. Key insights include:

• A 245 per cent jump in total unique visitors between 1 Jan 2020 – 29 Feb 2020 and 1 Jan 2021 – 28 Feb 2021.
• A huge 122 per cent increase in total visits between the same time periods.
• Nearly 250k more page views between the same time periods.

The top five topics searched include:

1. Ways to invest and smart investment options
2. Relationship break up entitlements
3. Coronavirus stimulus payments extended into 2021
4. Things to consider before accessing super early
5. Back to school subsidies for parents

Stephen Owen, General Manager, Workplace Engagement, AMP Australia said:

“While it’s undeniable that 2020 was a challenging year, it’s encouraging to see that Australians are taking necessary steps to educate themselves and set themselves up for success in 2021. From COVID-19 related topics like JobKeeper and the early release of superannuation program to niche themes around back to school subsides and relationship breakdown entitlements, Australians explored all topics when it came to researching financial education online.

“There are many relevant articles and sources of information online, and the huge jump we’ve seen in interest for our free education resources is incredibly positive. We know that financial education is key in ensuring that Australians have the confidence to make sound financial decisions, particularly in difficult climates – like what we’re facing at the moment with COVID-19 being a catalyst for positive action.

“With half of all Aussie workers reporting some level of stress about their finances, improving financial literacy can be one way to ensure that Australians are prepared for whatever is thrown at them and help turn that positive intent into action.”