They are afraid of poverty in old age. A generation Z does not believe that he will get a pension

To what extent are Binky Kochaalumottil, Director for Daily Banking at ING Deutschland, and Tobias Czekalla, Visa director in Germany.

According to 31 % analysis, i.e. almost a third of people aged 18 to 30, He does not expect a pension. At the same time, the vast majority (83 percent) are afraid of poverty in the elderly – the tendency worries both Kochalumoottil and Waiting. For this reason, 55 percent respondents at a young age intentionally save for retirement. This is a chance for banks.

The data indicate a trend that can be understood as a consequence of this situation: 45 percent. young clients of ING regularly saves as part of a savings plan based on securities. The average amount is around 350 euros (1.4 thousand PLN) per month. 88 percent These funds go to the broadly diversified ETF funds. It is also particularly striking that about 69 percent Young investors used course fluctuations during the global customs dispute in April 2025 to buy shares – only 17 percent. sold them.

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Young and finances

Tobias Czekalla sees a change in the paradigm in this behavior. – In times of high variability, many young people did not sell in panic, on the contrary – they took advantage of the opportunity to buy action – he says. This shows how well informed and organized this generation in the matter of investing money.

When choosing investments for investors from generation with security, it has priority over profit: 92 percent respondents indicated security As the most important investment criterion, and the chances of profit came second with a result of 79 percent. Environmental and social standards of enterprises are important for half of the respondents.

Another conclusion is that almost all respondents (94 percent) considered important possession knowledge of finances. However, only just over half (52 percent) really agreed with the statement “I know about finances” – despite the ubiquity of financial influencers.

Only 10 percent respondents said that he regularly draws information from such people. Instead, young people rely on guidelines from friends, family or found on the internet – says Tobias Czekalla.

– We observe that the topic of “financial knowledge” plays almost no role at school. If so, it is he only moved marginally on other items – he explains. Czekalla believes that politicians, and especially cultural ministers, are responsible for this. The topic of financial education must be significantly strengthened and more strongly rooted in curricula. There is simply a lack of solid knowledge in this field. And it is crucial for long -term planning, understanding of retirement gaps and preparing for the future.

Many representatives of the generation are afraid of their financial future (illustrative photo)Peter Cade / Getty Images

Economical generation

In the generation, classic savings goals dominate: 71 percent creates reserves in the event of an emergency, 55 percent saves for retirement, and 40 percent on the property. Consumer goods play a subordinate role. Only 4 percent saves on the latest smartphone, and 2 percent for clothes.

Also in terms of debt, this generation shows caution – and is a role model. Current account loans, consumer loans or “Buy now, pay off,” are rarely used – although these models are very successful on the international arena. This discovery was “surprising” – says Kochalumoottil. However, he positively assesses the fact that the young generation is careful about debt.

The data also indicates a structural problem, which applies to all age groups, but is particularly noticeable in the case of the young generation: The difference between sexes in monthly income.

In Germany, men have an average net income of approx. 2.2 thousand. euro (PLN 9.3 thousand), while women only around 1770 euros (PLN 7.5 thousand) – the difference is 430 euros (1.8 thousand PLN) per month. Also the savings indicator, i.e. part of the income postponed every month, is slightly higher for men (28 percent) than women (24 %). These values ​​are above average high for both sexes, because according to the data of the Federal Statistical Office, Germany saves on average only 11 percent.

End of passion for cash

The generation with is digital Not only in the field of investing – a clear trend can also be seen in the case of payments: the percentage of young people who declared that they paid money from the ATM at least once in three months, fell from 49 percent. in 2024 to just 38 percent Many people have long been using almost exclusively digital payment methods – by card, smartphone or smartwatch.

– If they had to choose between the portfolio and the smartphone, 74 percent would choose smartphone – says Waiting. This trend can be observed for a long time – explains Kochalumoottil.

– There is a big difference between generations, because the older people, the greater the importance of cash. These differences are clearly visible in everyday life and behavior of users – he says.

At the same time, the topic of cash remains delicate. Even if many people no longer use it, Awareness of its use It remains important – says the director. In this case, the generation does not differ much from others. According to a survey conducted by the Bundesbank in 2023, two -thirds of respondents in Germany still wanted to be able to use cash in up to 15 years.