Over one-third of Poles (36%) remain undecided about their spending priorities for 2025, while 31% plan to prioritize building savings, according to the latest survey by the Register of Debtors BIG InfoMonitor. Nearly half of the respondents (49%) do not anticipate any income growth in the next 12 months, highlighting financial caution amid an uncertain economic outlook. Geopolitical concerns and a perceived lack of security are contributing to restrained spending and long-term investment plans. “Key financial goals for 2025 include creating a financial safety net (31%) and saving for a dream holiday (28%). Meanwhile, nearly one in five Poles (19%) is focused on paying off debt. Surprisingly, 36% of adults are unsure about their spending plans, reflecting a cautious approach in the face of economic uncertainty,” the survey noted. Poles anticipate increased spending in only one area—health and wellness—cited by 14% of respondents. Conversely, expenditures on electronics and entertainment are likely to decline. “Many people are also prioritizing larger savings goals such as real estate purchases, travel, or investments, as declared by 21% of respondents. Additionally, 24% intend to exercise greater financial discipline by eliminating unnecessary purchases,” the study revealed. Nearly half of the respondents (49%) do not expect any income increases in the coming year. Among those seeking to improve their financial situation, 27% aim to secure additional sources of income, while 19% plan to sell unused items. One in ten respondents is considering job changes as a way to bolster their finances. Poles are adopting practical strategies to enhance financial stability, with 45% focusing on reducing impulsive purchases and 39% seeking better deals. The survey revealed that inflation, rising interest rates, and labor market uncertainty are the primary concerns for 74% of respondents. For over one-third (34%), these worries are particularly acute. This pervasive economic uncertainty underscores the challenges Poles face in managing their finances. Waldemar Rogowski, Chief Analyst at BIG InfoMonitor, anticipates that 2025 will pose significant challenges for household budgets, especially as rising living costs strain spending capacity. “The increased cost of daily necessities and persistently high borrowing costs will push many Poles to focus on saving while cutting back on non-essentials such as entertainment and electronics. Geopolitical instability and economic uncertainties will encourage greater financial prudence, with an emphasis on building stability and avoiding large liabilities,” Rogowski stated. According to Rogowski, the coming year will see Poles doubling down on strategies to bolster their financial stability. This includes prioritizing savings, cutting unnecessary expenses, and exploring safer financial options. “2025 will be about finding a balance between securing financial health and managing daily expenditures. Poles will increasingly seek practical, disciplined approaches to navigate the economic challenges ahead,” Rogowski concluded. The survey, titled “New Year’s Financial Plans of Poles,” was conducted in December 2024 using the CAWI method by Quality Watch on a representative sample of 1,061 Poles aged 18 and older. Source: BIG InfoMonitor and ISBnews