Business · Economy · 15 hrs ago
Nearly half in Switzerland have savings for three months or less
A ZHAW survey found that many people in Switzerland have little emergency savings.
Nearly half of those surveyed could maintain their usual living standard for no more than three months if their income stopped.
About 15% had no readily available financial reserves, while 30% could cover only one to three months using cash or savings accounts.
Although 83% said they put money aside at least occasionally, regular saving does not always provide enough protection against lost income.
Even among households earning at least 10,000 francs a month, more than one in four had savings for three months or less.
Financial pressure also showed up in daily life: almost one in four respondents had borrowed money in the past year, and 29% had struggled to pay a tax bill on time in the past five years.
Rising fixed costs were the most common financial worry, cited by 22% of respondents.
The online survey questioned 963 people aged 18 to 79 in June 2026; it does not describe any next steps.
Nearly half of people surveyed in Switzerland could maintain their current living standard for no more than three months if their income stopped.
A study by the Zurich University of Applied Sciences found that nearly 15 percent had no liquid financial reserves, while another 30 percent could cover only one to three months.
Although 83 percent said they saved money at least occasionally, 43 percent did so regularly.
Nearly one in four respondents had to borrow money in the previous year.
The online survey questioned 963 people aged 18 to 79 in June 2026.
- Who
- People in Switzerland, based on a survey of 963 adults aged 18 to 79.
- What
- Nearly half had enough liquid reserves to cover three months or less if their income stopped.
- When
- The survey was conducted in June 2026. The findings were reported on October 29, 2026.
- Where
- Switzerland.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Zurich University of Applied Sciences surveyed 963 people aged 18 to 79 online.
SRF and Tages-Anzeiger reported findings on the limited financial reserves of many people in Switzerland.
- Survey size
- 963 people
- Survey age range
- 18 to 79
- No liquid reserves
- Nearly 15 percent
- Reserves for one to three months
- 30 percent
- Saves at least occasionally
- 83 percent
3 sources
What people are saying
Regular saving does not necessarily mean that a household is adequately prepared for a loss of income.