Have Poles stopped being afraid of poverty? We assess our financial situation at record levels

The percentage of respondents declaring financial freedom, who can afford a lot without saving much or can afford some luxury is 39%. and is the highest in the history of CBOS research – according to the results published on Monday.

At the same time, 34 percent respondents declare complete peace of mind about their financial future, more than a year earlier.

According to the study, nearly half of respondents (49%) estimate that they live at an average standard – it is enough for their current needs, but they have to save for larger purchases. In turn, 32 percent claim that they live well and can afford a lot without saving much, and 7 percent declares the possibility of allowing yourself a certain luxury.

Only 11 percent respondents describe their standard of living as modest, and 1 percent as very poor.

CBOS indicates that after the deterioration of ratings during the pandemic and high inflation, from 2024 there will be an improvement in the subjective assessment of the financial situation. This year's result is higher than before the pandemic and exceeds last year's result, which was also record-breaking.

The survey also shows a moderate improvement in sentiment regarding the financial future. 23% of people declare fear of poverty. respondents, compared to 24 percent a year earlier, while the percentage of people who were completely confident about their finances increased to 34%. with 30 percent

Simultaneously 40 percent respondents are not afraid of poverty, but they take into account the possibility of a deterioration of their financial situation.

Young people with higher education and residents of the largest cities assess their situation best. Positive evaluations are also more often declared by three- and four-person households, pupils and students, as well as managers and specialists. Relatively weaker moods concern older people, retirees, pensioners, farmers and single-person households, especially those created by people over 55 years of age.

The “Current problems and events” survey was conducted as part of a mixed-mode procedure on a representative named sample of adult residents of Poland, drawn from the PESEL register. The study was carried out from March 5 to March 15, 2026 on a sample of 1,012 people (including: 64.4% using the CAPI method, 20.2% – CATI and 15.4% – CAWI). (PAP)

pif/ mrr/