Wealth barometer: renewed financial confidence and resumption of savings
After two years of economic tensions and high inflation, the financial serenity of households shows a clear recovery. The desire to save and anticipate retirement is growing strongly, particularly among younger generations. Analysis of the main lessons from the 2024 Barometer.
- • Increased financial satisfaction: 38% of respondents now consider themselves financially comfortable or very comfortable, marking a continuous increase of 4 points compared to last year.
- • Vigilance on consumption: Despite the decline in inflation, more than one in two households (56%) maintain prudent management of their current expenses.
- • Mobilization of young people for retirement: 51% of 14-29 year olds have already adapted their savings habits to take advantage of interest rates and anticipate their retirement.
- • Plebiscite for local banks: Cooperative networks and regional savings establishments retain the first place of trust among savers.
The repercussions of the energy crisis and global inflation have weighed heavily on the budgets of European households in recent years. However, the results of our annual Wealth Barometer highlight a positive dynamic: confidence is resurgent and households are actively regaining control of their savings.
+4 points compared to the previous year.
Have already initiated retirement savings measures.
14-29 year olds have redirected their savings.
1 The gradual return of financial optimism
According to the survey findings, 38% of respondents say they feel financially comfortable or very comfortable. This improvement reflects a gradual adaptation of households after successive inflationary shocks.
This improvement is confirmed in the medium-term forecasts: 36% of respondents anticipate an improvement in their wealth situation over the next two years, while the proportion of people fearing a deterioration falls to 22% (i.e. a drop of 3 points in one year).
2 Long-term moderation of spending
Even though the inflation rate has fallen significantly, consumer perception remains measured. Only 21% of respondents indicate that they have actually felt the drop in prices in their daily lives.
Budget management behaviors observed:
- • 56 % of households continue to restrict their non-essential discretionary spending.
- • 15 % buy smaller volumes and avoid impulse purchases.
- • 12 % systematically compare prices and favor more economical alternatives.
However, for the first time in four years, an improvement in morale is taking shape: 10% of respondents have started spending more again and 34% are maintaining their rate of consumption without constraint.
3 The desire to save and anticipate retirement is growing sharply
The end of the period of zero interest rates has restored the appeal of interest-bearing savings: 37% of savers have adapted their investments to take advantage of the new rate environment.
This awakening is particularly spectacular among young people:
51% adapt their strategy
More than half of young adults have started saving for retirement, and 30% intend to further increase their regular payments.
48% strengthen their retirement planning
Thirty-somethings are actively structuring their assets through a mix of term accounts, life insurance and diversified funds.
In total, 61% of citizens say they have put in place concrete solutions for their retirement (+3 points compared to last year).
4 Trust favors regional and cooperative banks
When asked about the establishment to which they entrust their money as a priority, savers overwhelmingly place institutions anchored in the territories at the top:
This result confirms clients' attachment to the presence of a dedicated personal advisor and the institutional security offered by large traditional banking networks.
5 Methodology of the Wealth Barometer
The Wealth Barometer has been carried out every year without interruption since 2005. For this edition, the benchmark survey institute questioned a representative sample of more than 4,800 people aged 14 and over across all regions of the country, guaranteeing a faithful snapshot of financial behavior.
Conclusion: Take advantage of the savings revival
Improved financial satisfaction and the return of attractive interest rates create a favorable environment for reorganizing your portfolio. Whether you want to boost your precautionary savings or structure your retirement plan, our experts are at your side.
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