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The survey presents a contradictory picture of domestic financial attitudes. While many Hungarians recognize the importance of financial planning, this awareness often does not translate into action.
According to the research, more than one-third of respondents, or 34%, do not plan their financial future at all, and only 10% say they plan and invest consciously based on a long-term strategy. At the same time, 43% do not trust that they will achieve their long-term financial goals.
The survey found that everyday financial concerns strongly shape the way Hungarians think about money. Two-thirds of respondents, or 67%, think in terms of an investment horizon of less than three years, suggesting that long-term wealth building remains a difficult goal for many households.
Investing also still feels distant for a significant share of the population. Although 53% agree that it is possible to start investing with relatively small amounts, more than one in four respondents, or 27%, still believe that investing is only available to people with high incomes.
According to the survey, the biggest obstacles to investing do not necessarily stem from a lack of knowledge, but rather from fears related to financial security and potential losses.
Respondents most often cited a lack of disposable income as a barrier, with 43% selecting this factor. Psychological factors also play an important role. More than one-fifth of Hungarians, or 22%, said fear of losing money holds them back from investing, while 38% generally consider themselves risk-averse. A further 26% feel they do not have enough money to start.
The findings suggest that emotional barriers can often prevent people from taking the first step, even when they are aware of the potential benefits of long-term investing.
“What the results show first and foremost is the gap between intention and confidence. Many Hungarians are aware that it is important to prepare for the future, yet a significant share of them are uncertain about whether they will achieve their financial goals. This suggests that the challenge is not simply a lack of information. Uncertainty, fear of making mistakes and concerns about financial security can all influence financial decisions. Addressing these emotional barriers is at least as important as developing financial awareness,” said Bianka Fuller, psychologist.
According to the research, providing more information alone is not enough to increase willingness to invest. Trust, accessibility and practical tools are all important if people are to look at their financial future with greater confidence.
Almost one-quarter of respondents, or 23%, said greater trust in financial institutions would encourage them to invest more. A further 19% said a better understanding of investment opportunities would help them. Financial and tax incentives, such as long-term investment accounts, were also viewed favorably by respondents.
“The results show that for investments to become more widespread, financial confidence is at least as important as financial knowledge. Many people understand why investing is important, yet they remain uncertain and do not take the first step because they fear potential losses,” said Vladimir Holovka, director responsible for the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary at XTB.
“That is why education, transparency and the provision of easily accessible investment solutions are especially important. At XTB, we are working to help strengthen people’s financial confidence by making investing more understandable and accessible. Long-term products such as the TBSZ can play an important role in this, as they combine tax advantages with disciplined, long-term wealth building,” he added.
Overall, the survey suggests that Hungarians increasingly understand why it is important to prepare for the future. The next step is for this recognition to turn into concrete action for more people, by strengthening confidence, removing barriers and providing practical tools that support long-term financial well-being.
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