Sydneysiders 'struggle to cope with financial commitments'

Keeping on top of financial commitments is proving to be an area of significant difficulty for many people in Sydney, it has been claimed.

Research recently released by Wesley Mission reveals that just under a quarter (24 per cent) of those between the ages of 30 and 59 are unable to consistently pay their utility bills on time.

However, it could be possible that being in possession of a credit card could be a useful tool in meeting such a financial demand.

Just under a fifth of those with a credit card struggle to pay bills on time, although this rises to 47 per cent among people without a card.

Keith Garner, chief executive of Wesley Mission, points out this year has seen a significant drive in the number of calls that the organisation's financial counsellors have received from people looking for help in getting to grips with their utility bills.

"For many people the coming months and year will mean a financial wipe-out," he adds.

One of those who may have previously turned to plastic to meet essential payments such as utility bills was an anonymous Adelaide millionaire who recently told the Sunday Mail that before the $20 million lottery win he and his wife relied heavily on their credit cards to supplement their day-to-day spending.

Written by Emma North