As the cost of living rises, the definition of financial well-being is changing. Although facing tax increases, economic uncertainty and austerity, 3 out of 5 Romanians (58%) are optimistic about their financial situation.
A good part of Romanians have set their financial resolutions for 2026. Photo Shutterstock
Most of the confident Romanians (27%) say that they are already taking measures to protect their money in 2026 through savings or investments, while 15% are considering looking for a better-paid job or developing new skills.
On the other hand, most of the respondents who are confident about their financial situation are those from Generation Z (18-28 years old), with a 32% response rate, according to a study conducted by Revolut and Dyata. According to him, those from generation X (45-60 years old) are the least satisfied with the current situation (9%), given that they are also the active generation with the greatest social pressures (family, peak professional career, multiple responsibilities). Millennials (29-44) are the most proactive and looking for new ways to invest and save (31%), unlike Boomers (27%) who are the most stressed about their financial situation next year, but also those who are very confused about it (18%).
Where the most optimistic Romanians live
The same study shows that there are significant differences in the approach to financial stability for the next year and from the perspective of geographic positioning.
The most optimistic about their financial capacity, in 2026, are Romanians from the northwest of the country and those from the south of the country (Muntenia), with 20%. The most prudent and those who take measures to save or invest are those from the south-east of the country (Dobrogea – 33%). The Romanians from the southwest (Oltenia – 20%) are the ones who link to a greater degree the change of job with the increase in financial optimism. The highest rate of insecurity regarding the financial situation in 2026 is recorded among respondents from the west of the country (26%).
What financial goals do they have for 2026
Almost a third of survey respondents (34%) say that in 2026, they want to start making smarter financial decisions, while 23% aim to grow their financial assets. 17% set their goal to go out less, 14% to stop following the latest trends in social media, 9% to change their job for a better paying one.
Men are more inclined towards optimizing investments and savings (25%) and reducing spending on socializing (19%), while women are more willing to be careful with financial decisions (35%) or change jobs (10%).
And generations relate differently to financial goals for the coming year. Generation Z is in first place with the intention to change jobs (15%), millennials have as their main goal to save and invest more (30%), those of the Boomers generation (over 61 years old) want to be more calculated and careful with their money (41%), Generation X to reduce spending on socializing and eating out (19%).
The study also shows that financial goals are approached differently depending on the region the respondents come from. Those in the west of the country have as their target in 2026 a change of job to earn better (11%) and obtaining additional funds from the reduction of social welfare expenses (24%). Respondents from the south-west of the country (Oltenia) prioritize saving and investing more (30%) and being less influenced by trendy trends in social media (18%). Those from the south of the country (Muntenia) proposed to be much more careful with money (39%),
From speculation to documented investments
Regarding investments, the study shows that Romanians want to improve their investment habits in the following year. The trend is to move away from speculation and towards long-term, goal-oriented investing. One encouraging aspect is the reduction in the perception that there is a gender investment confidence gap. 39% of respondents believe that women are at least as good at investing as men. Internal Revolut data supports the conclusions. In October 2025, the number of women in Romania who invested with Revolut increased by 25% compared to 17% for men, and the total amount invested by women increased by 87% for them compared to 67% for men.
“We are witnessing a maturation of the local market, those interested in investing making the transition from speculation to documented investments. While 32% of Romanians mention a lack of funds, and 21% believe they do not have the necessary information to start investing”, comments Tamer Nurla, deputy general manager of Revolut Bank UAB Vilnius Bucharest Branch.
Attitude towards investments
• 32% of Romanians complain that they do not have enough additional funds beyond daily needs to invest;
• 21% do not have enough information and knowledge;
• 19% are afraid of losing the invested money;
• 10% do not have a clear goal 10% say that nothing stops them
• 9% do not feel motivated to invest.
• 39% of respondents believe that women are at least as skilled as men in investing. Those who support the opposite – 33%.
Control over the personal budget:
• 43% of respondents would like to be more disciplined (self-control);
• 33% to be more financially educated to keep their finances under control;
• 23% to use digital tools to help them with various services (investments, savings);
• 17% support from family, relatives to better manage their money.
Financial goals for 2026:
• 34% of respondents want to be more careful and intelligent with their financial decisions
• 23% want to learn how to increase their wealth/financial assets
• 22% to reduce expenses (less those related to children)
• 17% to spend less on going out
• 15% to reduce expenses (minus tourist ones)
• 14% to be less influenced by the trends promoted through social media
