Most members of Generation Y are 'fiscally conservative' and have more money than debt, a new study has found - but Alexandra* is not of their number.

The 27-year-old has more than $20,000 owing on credit cards and less than $2000 in the bank. And she blames her woes on a single decision she made six years ago.

"Regret of my life": 27-year-old Alexandra (right) puts her poor finances down to her decision to enter the property market when she was 21.

"I've spent my 20s slaving away for a mortgage on a place that hasn't gone up in value and missed out on so many experiences, like living overseas."

With more than $300,000 in mortgage debt to add to her woes, Alexandra places herself firmly among the have-nots of her generation, aged 18-29.