Croix, 18 March 2025
Amid inflation and economic uncertainty, French people are adjusting their budgets and rethinking how they spend their money. From seeking out promotions to reducing leisure purchases and increasing split payments, the Oney/CSA exclusive survey in tandem with Financial Education Week reveals changing financial strategies. It also highlights generational gaps in dealing with inflation, the rise of the circular economy and the growing importance of financial education.
More than 8 out of 10 French people are worried about their spending budget
88% of French people say they are worried about the political situation in France, 41% of whom say they are “very worried”. The French economy and the size of the budget deficit also give rise to major concerns, with 86% of respondents expressing disquiet.
This anxiety also extends to the international sphere and social policy, with 86% worried in both cases.
Finally, 82% of French people are worried about inflation, while the environmental situation, although down slightly, is a cause for concern among 74% of respondents – and up to 81% of those under 35.
Managing tight budgets: new financial strategies
For 84% of respondents, inflation has redefined how they manage their budget over the past 12 months. This trend is particularly pronounced among young adults (92% of 18-24 year olds and 87% of those under 35).
More than six in ten French people (63%) have also made adjustments due to their concerns about the country’s economic situation and fiscal deficit. In addition, subjects such as national policy (59%), social policy (55%), the environment (53%) and international tensions (48%) also influence their financial choices.
Given all of this, French people have redefined their consumption priorities:
- 86% say they have reduced their consumption,
- 82% have postponed certain purchases or investments to a later date,
- 69% are limiting significant investments.
Women are particularly vigilant in this regard: 90% say they have adjusted everyday spending, and more women than men have postponed certain purchases.
Inflation has also boosted savings: 59% of French people are putting more money aside to deal with unforeseen events, a trend that is even more pronounced among higher socio-professional categories (70%) and those under 35 (68%). However, savings are not always enough to cover spending overruns, and 57% actively seek additional income, a trend that is particularly widespread among 18-24 year olds (82%), in search of a means to maintain their standard of living.
In this context of uncertainty, only 19% of French people say they invest more, and a tiny minority (7%) say they have increased their consumption.
A reduction in leisure spending and a rise in split payments
Among the growing number of strategies to deal with economic pressure is an increase in those reducing their leisure spending to help optimise their budget (79%, +3 points compared to 2024).
The search for promotions and discounts continues to be an everyday source of savings (92%; +2pts vs. 2024). A high number also wait for sales to come round to make necessary purchases (79%).
Split payments are also increasing in popularity. 42% of French people see split payments as a means of better managing their budget so that they do not immediately have to giving up certain purchases, particularly younger generations. 50% of under-35s say they are prepared to pay in 3 or 4 instalments, compared with 36% of over-50s.
Finally, the circular economy, which has become more established in recent years as an economically and environmentally virtuous alternative, is a preferred means of saving money: 60% of French people buy second-hand or refurbished products, particularly those under 35 (74%).
Savings and relationship with money: from a sense of security to mixed emotions
Savings continue to play a central role in perceptions of financial security. 64% of French people associate having money with having savings, a trend that is even more pronounced among women (68%). Yet while 59% of French people save more than before, the use of these savings is changing: 46% use it to finance certain purchases, compared with 50% two years ago.
Another notable development: talking about money is no longer taboo for the majority of French people: 58% say they find it easier to discuss their financial situation with their loved ones. A phenomenon all the more evident among the younger generations: 77% of 18-24 year olds talk about money with their loved ones, compared with only 49% of over-50s.
However, money remains a source of mixed emotions. While 23% of French people feel uncomfortable addressing this issue, others express frustration (19%) or stress (17%).
Towards better financial education?
While 88% of French people feel they have their budget under control, they believe there is room for improvement in their knowledge of financial management. Only 30% consider themselves very competent in this area, and 28% of under-35s admit to lacking knowledge in this area.
The sources of information are changing, with social networks becoming increasingly popular for younger generations: 19% of under-35s get their financial advice from specialised influencers first, i.e. three times more than the national average, a trend that rises to 32% for 18-24 year olds.
About Oney
Oney is a different and unique type of bank, with its origins in retail. As a partner in the transformation of the retail industry for more than 40 years, we design payment, financing, insurance and anti-fraud solutions to give everyone the power to improve their daily lives and consume better. We created split payments in 2008, and are the market leader in BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later) services in many European countries. We are a strategic ally for more than 37,000 merchants, helping more than 7 million customers in Europe to purchase goods and services and accomplish their goals through simple, fast, digital purchasing experiences. Every day, our 1,900 talented people in 10 countries drive our ambition to be a more human and responsible bank. We strive to be a major consumer financing player for the retail sector in Europe.
With the support of our two shareholders, BPCE (50.1%) and ELO (formerly Auchan Holding, 49.9%), Oney brings together the best of banking and retail. Within Groupe BPCE, Oney is part of BPCE Digital & Payments, a division combining payment, digital and data expertise.
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