German Survey Finds Broad Savings Cutbacks on Clothing and Dining, While 42% Skip Retirement Savings

A Kantar‑commissioned survey of more than 2,000 Germans aged 18‑64 shows that over half curb spending on clothing and accessories (52%) and on restaurants, cafés and bars (52%). Other categories with notable cuts include hobby and leisure goods (42%), electronics (41%) and household items (36%). Respondents also report trimming outings such as cinema (46%) and concerts/festivals (45%). To stretch budgets, 62% compare prices, 56% hunt for discounts, 48% use coupons and 44% opt for store‑brand products. Around 41% say they are saving for vacations or building financial reserves, and 37% set aside money for retirement.

A separate Insa poll of 1,004 Germans shows that 42% do not put any private money aside for retirement, while 49% do and 9% gave no answer. When asked about ways to strengthen the public pension system, 28% favour higher tax subsidies to the pension fund, 18% prefer higher employee contributions, and 15% support slower pension growth. A majority (51%) back linking the retirement age to years of work, whereas 58% reject tying it directly to life expectancy.