Survey: Czech households more optimistic about finances in 2025

A December survey conducted by loan provider Provident Financial has found that 50 percent of Czechs expect their financial situation in 2025 to remain stable or improve compared to 2024. This marks a significant increase from the previous year, when only 40 percent shared this sentiment.

Financial fears have also declined, with only 21 percent expressing concerns about the new year, down from 25 percent in 2024 and 32 percent in 2023. The optimistic outlook is credited to recent stabilization following years of surging inflation and increases in costs of energy and consumer goods.

"The financial situation of Czech households has been stabilizing for several years," notes Petr Javůrek, financial analyst at Provident Financial. "This year, we see a substantial rise in people expecting a good financial year, reflecting gradual economic improvements."

Despite the optimism, energy bills remain a major worry for Czech households. According to the survey, 46 percent of respondents identified energy costs as the most challenging expense of 2025. This concern is particularly acute among those aged 54 and older, with 60 percent of people in this group citing it as a top issue.

For younger generations, vacation-related spending ranks as the biggest financial hurdle. As the summer season approaches, many are bracing for higher travel and leisure costs, underlining generational differences in financial priorities.

It is good that people are thinking about what expenses they have to count on in the future, and that they are able to evaluate which ones will be the most demanding in terms of household budgets," adds Javůrek.

The survey also highlighted shifting financial habits among Czechs. Nearly half of respondents (47 percent) admitted to skipping financial resolutions for 2025, a four-percentage-point increase from last year.

Older generations, particularly those over 45, were less inclined to set financial goals, while younger individuals were more likely to prioritize saving. About 20 percent of those surveyed planned to save money in 2025, a slight increase over previous years.

A notable 20 percent of respondents plan to rely on family support if faced with financial difficulties, while 4 percent anticipate turning to loans. The data indicates a slight decline in the number of people expecting to incur debt compared to previous years.