While purchasing power and higher costs remain some of the country's most pressing concerns, a new study from the University of Applied Sciences in Zurich (ZHAW) has suggested that most people in Switzerland are coping relatively well with higher prices. They found that three-quarters of the population are happy with their financial situation.
Majority of Swiss population are happy with their finances
In the survey of 1.050 people, the university found that three-quarters of the population felt comfortable or very comfortable with their financial situation as of spring 2023. 31 percent of respondents rated their financial well-being as high, while 17 percent rated it as being very high. For reference, “financial well-being” was defined by ZHAW as a situation in which a person feels their salary can meet their needs today, and is comfortable with their financial future.
In contrast, only 3 percent of respondents said that their financial well-being was low, and just 1 percent said that it was “very low.” ZHAW noted that while age is starting to play less of a factor in the study, women and those who are divorced are still the groups that more “often experience lower levels of financial well-being.”
"Like other countries, we found that a full-time job and a higher level of education also lead to greater satisfaction," noted ZHAW study leader Selina Lehner, adding that generally speaking, those who own property feel more financially secure than those who rent a house or apartment. She added that while “money alone does not make you happy… it certainly helps reduce financial anxiety and makes everyday life more carefree."
The Swiss are cautious and shy when it comes to money
When it comes to financial habits, the Swiss are cautious, with 81 and 86 percent of respondents reporting that they are saving and / or planning to save for the future respectively. Savings for “security / financial freedom” was the most common motivator, followed by holidays and preparing for retirement.
Finally, the report found that if there’s one thing the Swiss don’t do it's talk about their finances, with only 26 percent of respondents willing to discuss their financial situation openly, and even then only with close friends and family. "That's a pity because finance should be discussed more often since it's fundamental to everyday life," Lehner noted, arguing that most people would be able to improve their financial situation with more open discussion and education on banking and finance.
For more information about the study, check out the official website.