Supporting family while planning for the future: the challenge facing Australia's sandwich generation

3 August 2026

• Nearly two thirds (63%) of Australians supporting both older and younger generations at the same time say they find it difficult to balance supporting their family now with saving for their own future.
• Nine in ten have made financial or lifestyle sacrifices due to their caregiving responsibilities.
• Around one in four (27%) have reduced or paused saving for the future, while 11% have reduced or delayed voluntary super contributions.
• Women and Gen X Australians are among those feeling the greatest financial pressure, with women more likely to feel financially stretched (69%) and Gen X amongst those finding it hardest to balance family responsibilities and future planning (76%).

Millions of Australians are in the ‘sandwich generation’ and balancing competing demands of supporting children, ageing parents and other loved ones, often while managing rising living costs and increasingly complex family responsibilities¹.

New AustralianSuper research shows many of these Australians are finding it difficult to balance caring for family today with preparing for their own future, highlighting the challenge of supporting loved ones while staying focused on long-term financial goals.

The research found nearly two thirds (63%) of Australians in the sandwich generation find it difficult to balance supporting family now with planning for their own future.

AustralianSuper Head of Retirement Jacki Ellis said caring for family is a reality for many Australians, but it’s important not to lose sight of long-term personal financial goals in the process.

"For many people, supporting family isn't a choice, it's simply what needs to be done. Whether it's helping children through key life stages or supporting ageing parents, many Australians are focused on meeting the needs of the people they care about.

"The challenge is that when time, money and energy are directed towards others, it can be easy for your own financial future to move down the priority list.

“While life's immediate demands will often take precedence, small financial decisions made today can have a meaningful impact over time. A few simple steps can help you keep progressing towards your longer-term goals, even during busy or challenging periods."

Australians caught between today's responsibilities and planning for the future

In the research, half of Australians in the sandwich generation support parents or parents-in-law, while a similar proportion support children under 18. Cost of living pressures and increasing health and care needs are among the most common factors driving these responsibilities.

Many say the reality of caregiving has been greater than they expected. Nearly six in ten report their responsibilities are different from what they anticipated, whether that means caring for family for longer, at a greater level, or supporting more people than originally expected.

The pressure is particularly acute for some groups. Women are more likely than men to report feeling financially stretched while supporting family members (69% compared to 56%), while Gen X Australians are among those finding it hardest to balance current responsibilities with saving for the future (76%).

The research highlights many Australians are making financial and lifestyle trade-offs to manage their caregiving responsibilities. Nine in ten have made sacrifices, whether that's spending less on themselves, cutting back on travel, delaying personal goals or reducing the amount they're able to save.

For some, these decisions can also affect longer-term financial outcomes. More than one in four (27%) have reduced or paused saving for the future, while 11% have reduced or delayed voluntary super contributions and 15% have reduced working hours, changed roles or stepped back from work as they juggle competing demands.

Ms Ellis said this is where staying connected to long-term financial goals becomes important.

"Supporting others is often one of the most meaningful things we do but looking after yourself matters too."

"Small actions can make a difference. Whether it’s reviewing your your super, checking your insurance over, or understanding how a change in working hours could affect your retirement plans seeking information and guidance early can help you make informed decisions during periods of pressure."

"You don't need to have everything figured out straight away. And you’re not alone, there is a lot of support available. You can take steps your future self will thank you for."

Importantly, the research found many Australians are looking for practical support to help navigate this period of life, including access to clearer information and guidance to help them understand the long-term impact of financial decisions and stay connected to their future goals.

Here are AustralianSuper’s top five tips for the sandwich generation:

1. Stay connected to your future goals: Supporting family often means immediate needs take priority, but it's important to regularly check whether you're still on track for retirement and understand the long-term impact of any financial trade-offs. If you're unsure where to start, reach out to your super fund to understand what guidance, education and advice services are available to help you plan for the future.
2. Keep your super working for you: Looking after others doesn't mean your super has to take a back seat. Consider what options may be available to help grow your super, including contribution opportunities and government incentives, if eligible. Major life changes are also a good time to review your super arrangements and consolidate multiple accounts where appropriate².
3. Have open conversations with family early: Discuss financial expectations, future care arrangements and long-term plans with parents, partners and adult children before decisions become urgent. Early conversations can help reduce stress and uncertainty later on.
4. Review your insurance cover as life changes: Caring responsibilities can change your financial circumstances. If you've reduced your hours or stepped away from work, take time to check that your insurance cover still meets your needs. AustralianSuper members can review their insurance cover at any time through the app or by logging into their account online.
5. Seek guidance before making major financial decisions: Whether it's helping children financially, accessing savings or changing work arrangements, getting information and guidance early can help you understand the longer-term implications. AustralianSuper offers a range of education, guidance and advice services to help make informed decisions and stay connected to your long-term financial goals.