Switzerland has its finances under control, but retirement planning remains a challenge

Broad financial knowledge, but not equally across all groups

Financial matters are part of everyday life for a majority of the population. 70 per cent of respondents say they engage very or rather strongly with money and financial issues. For retirement planning, the figure is 62 per cent. At the same time, measured financial knowledge is high overall: on the knowledge index covering general financial topics, retirement provision, home ownership and financing, the population scores an average of 83.4 out of 100 points. More than seven in ten people achieve at least 81 points.

However, there are considerable differences between population groups. These are particularly pronounced by age and gender. Men score higher than women in almost all age groups, with the largest gap among 18- to 29-year-olds. Higher levels of education and income also tend to be associated with greater financial knowledge. Regionally, average scores are higher in German-speaking Switzerland than in the Lake Geneva region and Ticino.

Complexity becomes a barrier in retirement planning

The monitor clearly highlights the difference between relatively simple retirement planning measures and those that require more in-depth engagement. 55 per cent already pay into a Pillar 3a product. Among 18- to 39-year-olds, this share rises to 66 per cent. By contrast, only 33 per cent have checked their pension fund statement for possible pension gaps.

The findings therefore point less to a fundamental lack of awareness than to difficulties in implementing more complex steps. Many respondents consider these financial measures worthwhile or plan to take them in the future but have not yet done so. Accordingly, the bridge from engagement with and knowledge of the topic to concrete, long-term action is still not sufficiently easy to cross.

Among those who engage only weakly with retirement planning, 38 per cent cite insufficient financial means as a reason. 34 per cent rely on the AHV and their pension fund, while 20 per cent consider the retirement provision system too complex or feel that they do not understand it well enough.

Prudent financial behaviour prevails in everyday life

When it comes to actual money management, the overall picture is largely solid. Over the past twelve months, 76 per cent reviewed their income and expenses, while 59 per cent regularly saved money. Before making a financial decision, 43 per cent consulted at least two different sources of information. By contrast, 10 per cent had to pay a bill late because they lacked the money, and 6 per cent used a loan or instalment purchase.

Most respondents also assess their own financial situation positively. 89 per cent say they manage regular payments well. 86 per cent could cover an unexpected expense of CHF 2,500 without taking out a loan or selling important possessions. At the same time, almost half of respondents, 46 per cent, report that they frequently worry about money. Financial stability and a personal sense of security therefore do not necessarily go hand in hand.

Security is more important than maximum returns

For many respondents, preserving existing assets is a central priority when saving and investing. 43 per cent cite security, or avoiding financial losses, as an important criterion. This is followed by long-term wealth accumulation at 31 per cent and having access to the money at any time at 30 per cent. Regular returns or low fees are much less frequently prioritised.

Here too, priorities differ depending on life stage and gender. Women place greater emphasis on security than men in almost all age groups. Men, by contrast, are more likely to focus on long-term wealth accumulation and capital gains. Among younger respondents, ecological and ethical criteria also play a greater role than they do in the population as a whole.

People place the greatest trust in their own bank

When it comes to financial and retirement planning issues, the population relies heavily on established institutions. On a scale from 0 to 10, respondents give their own bank an average trust score of 7.3. This is followed by the AHV at 6.9 and pension funds at 6.6. Financial influencers are clearly at the bottom of the ranking, with a score of 1.7.