That’s what online bank UBank is asking viewers to do in its latest campaign.
Titled “Real estate tips from the terminally ill”, it features interviews with six dying Australians who have a simple message: borrow less and live more.
Created in partnership with Palliative Care Australia, the controversial ad asks people to reconsider putting all their money into a home they can’t afford.
“When you are given a death sentence, you really evaluate what it’s all about,” says one of the participants, Julie.
But is it all just a marketing stunt?
Redefining the Australian dream
The bank, which is owned by NAB, says no, despite the ad already attracting over 20 complaints to the Advertising Standards Bureau (ASB) for being in “bad taste”.
Their research shows over half (58 per cent) of Australian mortgage holders are putting work over family because of financial pressures.
“We want to support our customers in finding the right home without stretching themselves beyond their means,” says CEO Lee Hatton. “It’s a provocative statement for a bank, and one that we’re proud to stand by.”
They also have the support of Palliative Care Australia, who offered advice and helped to find the people featured in the video.
“When UBank approached us with this concept we immediately liked it because the project gives a voice to the people we advocate for day in and day out – and that’s not an opportunity they often have,” CEO Liz Callaghan says.
Want to see what the fuss is about? Watch the clip here.
