Nearly half could cover only three months without income

Nearly half of respondents in a Swiss study could maintain their current standard of living for no more than three months if their income stopped, SRF reports. The survey by the Zurich University of Applied Sciences found that while 83% of respondents save money at least occasionally, many have limited reserves.

Some 43% said they save regularly. But nearly 15% have no liquid financial reserves, and a further 30% could cover only one to three months using money in accounts such as salary or savings accounts. Almost a quarter could manage for more than a year without income.

Even among respondents whose household income was at least 10,000 francs a month, more than one in four had enough reserves for no more than three months. “Regular saving does not necessarily mean a household is adequately prepared for a loss of income,” said Selina Lehner, a ZHAW expert.

Financial pressures were also reflected in borrowing and bill payments. Almost one in four respondents had to borrow money in the past year, while 29% had difficulty paying a tax bill on time at least once in the past five years.

Respondents rated their satisfaction with their financial situation at 5.6 out of 10, compared with 7.2 for their overall satisfaction with life. Rising fixed costs were the biggest financial concern, cited by 22%. Insufficient retirement provision and fears of being unable to afford future aspirations followed, at 12% and 11% respectively.

The online survey was conducted in June 2026 among 963 people aged 18 to 79.