German consumers' financial worries rise amid cost pressures

A recent CRIF study of 5,000 consumers in Germany, Ireland, Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom finds that 79% of Germans are worried about their financial future for the next twelve months, up from 74% a year earlier. 28% expect their personal financial situation to worsen, 38% anticipate having less money at the end of the month, 18% fear they may miss bill payments and 7% worry about being unable to afford rent or mortgage payments. High living costs are driving a cut‑back in spending: 51% of German respondents plan to reduce expenses, with 32% aiming for modest cuts and 19% for significant reductions. The main reasons cited are rising food, everyday and energy costs.

A parallel YouGov poll commissioned by insurer Bayerische shows that 72% of Germans are concerned about the future, 75% consider their savings insecure because of crises and inflation, and 76% do not trust the state for pension provision. More than half (52%) say they are now more worried about income security, while 78% of non‑homeowners doubt they will ever be able to afford a home. Bayerische plans a long‑term communication campaign on “precaution voting,” with Martin Gräfer stating, “These numbers are a clear mandate,” and emphasizing the need for holistic financial protection.