Security over returns – how women in Switzerland navigate everyday life, the future and their finances

Almost one in two women cites healthcare costs and health insurance premiums as one of Switzerland’s most pressing problems. Health issues also play a central role in people’s daily lives. Healthcare costs shape people’s concerns on two levels: as a question of the system’s long-term sustainability and as a concrete burden in everyday life. Here, alongside premiums, people’s own health and that of those close to them are the main focus. Some way behind come issues such as migration and asylum, environmental concerns, and housing costs and the housing shortage.

Overall, life satisfaction is high. Housing, friendships, family and leisure time are rated particularly positively. By contrast, people are significantly more cautious in their assessment of their own financial situation and future prospects.

The study also reveals a link between how people assess their own money management and life satisfaction. Women who rate their money management as good or very good are significantly more likely to say they are satisfied with their lives than women who feel less confident about financial matters. Alongside income, education and social integration, financial self-perception is thus one of the factors closely linked to life satisfaction.

Almost two-thirds of women say they are currently facing financial challenges. One in seven women even speaks of major difficulties. The strain is caused primarily by fixed basic expenses.

The greatest financial burdens are health insurance premiums, taxes, housing costs and expenditure on daily necessities. Consumer issues such as shopping or debt, by contrast, play a significantly smaller role. Financial stress is primarily experienced as structural cost pressure rather than the result of individual poor decisions.

Financial issues also have a significant impact on everyday life. More than a third of women say that financial matters account for a large proportion of their mental stress. At the same time, many lack the time in their daily lives to deal with financial or pension matters in depth.

For many women, security and stability are far more important than returns or wealth accumulation. Consequently, women are more likely to describe themselves as cautious and reserved when it comes to financial decisions, whereas men tend to see themselves as strategic, risk-aware or particularly well-informed.

Overall, interest in financial investments remains moderate. Whilst around half of women invest at least occasionally, a large proportion currently have no plans to invest. Many cite a lack of financial leeway as the main obstacle. Added to this are uncertainty regarding risks, a lack of knowledge about financial investments, and the fear of making the wrong decisions.

It is worth noting that women generally view their own financial management very positively. More than eight out of ten women say they are good or very good at managing money.

In day-to-day life, women also often take charge of the day-to-day financial management of the household, such as paying regular bills or completing tax returns. Major strategic financial decisions, on the other hand, are more often made jointly with their partner.