Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research - Research Publications

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Author: Salamanca Acosta, Nicolas × Author: de New, John × Type: Journal Article ×

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    Measuring Financial Wellbeing with Self-Reported and Bank Record Data
    Comerton-Forde, C ; De New, J ; Salamanca, N ; Ribar, DC ; Nicastro, A ; Ross, J (WILEY, 2022-06)
    We develop scales of the financial well‐being of customers of a major Australian bank using self‐reported survey data matched to customer financial records. Using item response theory (IRT) models, we develop: (1) a Reported Financial Wellbeing Scale from information about people’s experiences and perceptions of financial outcomes; and (2) an Observed Financial Wellbeing Scale from financial record measures of customers’ account balances, net spending and payment problems. Each scale reliably differentiates between a wide range of outcomes, and the scale components have similar power to discriminate. We confirm the validity of the scales by estimating predictive models using other measurable characteristics.
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    Implications of COVID-19 labour market shocks for inequality in financial wellbeing
    Botha, F ; de New, JP ; de New, SC ; Ribar, DC ; Salamanca, N (SPRINGER, 2021-04)
    Australia's economy abruptly entered into a recession due to the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. Related labour market shocks on Australian residents have been substantial due to business closures and social distancing restrictions. Government measures are in place to reduce flow-on effects to people's financial situations, but the extent to which Australian residents suffering these shocks experience lower levels of financial wellbeing, including associated implications for inequality, is unknown. Using novel data we collected from 2078 Australian residents during April to July 2020, we show that experiencing a labour market shock during the pandemic is associated with a 29% lower level of perceived financial wellbeing, on average. Unconditional quantile regressions indicate that lower levels of financial wellbeing are present across the entire distribution, except at the very top. Distribution analyses indicate that the labour market shocks are also associated with higher levels of inequality in financial wellbeing. Financial counselling and support targeted at people who experience labour market shocks could help them to manage financial commitments and regain financial control during periods of economic uncertainty.