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Experts warn that lack of preparation would force most people to make decisions under time pressurewhich could result in chaotic budget management in crisis situations.
How do Poles save?
When asked about strategies for dealing with financial problems, 35 percent Poles declared that in difficult times they would buy higher quality products, but less often. Another 30 percent indicated cheaper alternatives, and 29 percent would consider purchasing on the secondary market.
Preferences vary depending on gender and age. Women (43%) and seniors (48%) most often choose to limit their purchases while maintaining their quality. In turn, men (35%) and young adults aged 18-29 (38%) are more likely to choose second-hand products.
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Interestingly, people who assess their financial situation as bad most often choose the strategy of limiting purchases while maintaining the standard (61%). However, those who declare good financial condition are more likely to choose cheaper alternatives (49%).
What do Poles not save on?
The respondents were also asked which expenses would be most difficult for them to give up. The greatest number, 21%, indicated health prevention. Another 19 percent cannot imagine life without their own means of transport, 17 percent would not like to give up their holidays, and 12 percent considered internet access to be a priority expenditure.
Differences between women and men are visible in the answers. Women are most likely to protect their health budget – 24%. of them indicated prevention as the expenditure they would be least willing to give up. Men, however, more often declared attachment to holidays (20%).
People in a difficult financial situation are particularly protective of spending on recreation – as much as 45%. of this group considered holidays as a priority. For people with average income (21%), having their own means of transport is crucial. As their financial situation improves, Poles are shifting their priorities, placing greater emphasis on health.
“The best-off respondents indicated health prevention as an area in which they did not want to make any compromises” – emphasized the authors of the study.
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The study was conducted by the Institute of Market and Social Research (IBRiS) on January 4-12, 2026 on a representative group of 1,000 adult Poles. The results shed light on the challenges that Polish households may face in the face of potential financial crises.
