Women in Tasmania are facing significantly higher Christmas financial stress than men, with new research showing they are 50% more likely to find the festive season a strain on the hip pocket.
MyStateBank’s latest Christmas savings research found women are three times more likely to say this Christmas feels ‘much more stressful’ than last year.
More than half of all Tasmanians surveyed said the holiday period is more financially stressful than any other time of year.
The research, which involved more than 400 people, found the average household expects to spend $1,056 above regular expenses this Christmas.
Families with children under 18 are planning to spend a further 33% more.
Financial pressure topped the list of stressors at 51%, followed by time pressures at 34% and social expectations at 30%.
Yet despite wanting to plan ahead, 39% of Tasmanians still don’t save specifically for Christmas.
A third said unexpected expenses derail their savings plans, while 24% are living pay-to-pay.
More than a quarter said they want to save but struggle to stick with it.
The research also found 34% expect to use credit cards to cover Christmas costs and 17% plan to rely on buy now, pay later services.
MyStateBank chief executive Brett Morgan said the findings show that while people try to prepare, the realities of daily life often make it difficult.
“This research shows something important,” he said. “People care, they try to plan – but the reality of everyday pressures makes saving incredibly hard.”
“A simple savings habit can give Tasmanians something incredibly valuable – a sense of control.”
Morgan said starting to save earlier in the year could help families avoid taking on debt.
“Small, steady deposits can make a big difference at the end of the year,” Morgan said.
Parents with young children reported some of the highest stress levels.
Women also faced greater pressure from family dynamics, social expectations and time demands, the research found.
The survey was conducted between late October and early November 2025.
