A pressing concern for many: financial security. Nearly half of adults in the Netherlands worry about their financial future, despite some progress in savings. The ING Savings Survey for 2025 reveals an interesting paradox: while savings are on the rise, so are worries about financial stability.
Let's delve into the numbers. Approximately 18% of adults have less than €500 in their bank accounts, a situation that leaves them financially vulnerable. Another 24% have between €500 and €3,000, which might provide a temporary cushion but falls short of recommended emergency funds. On the brighter side, about 34% of adults have access to savings of €10,000 or more, a significant improvement from two years ago.
But here's where it gets controversial: these savings levels still don't meet the recommendations set by the national institute, Nibud. They advise single adults to maintain €9,000 in savings and families of four to have €12,400 as a buffer. This means that a large majority of households are still not financially prepared for unexpected emergencies.
And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about having savings, it's about having enough. Half of the respondents expressed worries about the size of their financial buffer, citing concerns over unexpected expenses, future costs, and economic uncertainty. Healthcare costs are also a significant worry for about a third of the population.
The situation has worsened since last year, with more people fearing job and income losses. About 18% cited this as a concern, up from 14% last year. Rising debt levels, insurance premiums, and the inability to pay rent are other worries that keep people up at night.
Despite Nibud's recommendation to save 10% of net monthly income, fewer than half of adults save more than €200 per month. This highlights a gap between financial advice and actual savings behavior.
Young adults, in particular, face unique challenges. They report that saving is harder than it was for their parents, attributing this to impulse purchases and the ease of spending. ING suggests temporary account locks and goal-based savings as strategies to resist spending impulses and maintain financial security.
The bank also emphasizes the importance of parental example. About 75% of respondents try to pass on financial knowledge to their children, teaching them the value of saving.
Japke Kaastra, Head of Financial Health at ING Netherlands, underscores the importance of saving: "The many temptations to spend money and the ease of doing so make saving for yourself extra important. So, 'Pay yourself first,' before your money disappears on things you may not really need."
The survey also revealed an increase in investing, with one-third of adults now participating in financial markets. However, a significant portion of the population still relies on manual saving methods, missing out on the benefits of automated savings tools.
What are your thoughts on financial security and savings? Do you think people are saving enough? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!
