while a vast majority of citizens diligently save money, a significant portion harbor deep anxieties about whether their savings are sufficient to navigate future economic uncertainties.. The Yougov poll, commissioned by Postbank and released in September 2025, reveals that 80% of Germans regularly set aside funds, yet a staggering 63% express dissatisfaction with the adequacy of their reserves.
This disconnect is largely attributable to the enduring impact of the inflationary period between 2021 and 2023. Ulrich Stephan, Chief Investment Strategist at Postbank, points to the high savings rate as indicative of increased financial awareness, but simultaneously underscores its darker implications: the palpable erosion of purchasing power resulting from those inflationary years continues to weigh heavily on household finances. “People are saving out of a very real sense of security” Stephan explained, “but the persistent cost pressures are actively damaging their confidence in their ability to adequately prepare for the future.
The data further illuminates the precariousness of many German households’ financial positions. Only a quarter of savers have managed to accumulate a financial cushion equivalent to three to six months of income-a generally considered benchmark for stability. A concerning 14% are saving less than €500 annually, while another 25% can only cover a maximum of two months’ living expenses with their reserves. These figures suggest a vulnerability to unexpected economic shocks and a potential reliance on government support systems.
Despite these anxieties, there’s a burgeoning interest in the capital markets. 34% of respondents have already ventured into investments like stocks and funds. Notably, the share of Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) in overall securities investing has seen a substantial increase, from 13% to 21%. Stephan highlights the democratizing effect of ETFs, observing that they allow participation for even those with modest monthly savings – a potentially crucial development given the current climate of economic fragility and persistent inflationary anxieties. However, the shift towards capital markets also raises questions about the level of financial literacy among the growing number of retail investors and the potential for increased market volatility as a result. The question now is whether this increased engagement can genuinely alleviate the underlying anxieties surrounding inadequate savings or simply represent a desperate attempt to claw back lost purchasing power.