Eit’s a pity. In the streets and on the Christmas markets, it will probably not sparkle and shine as magnificently as usual during the Advent season. After all, saving energy is the order of the day. Some people like to wear two Christmas jumpers on top of each other at home to avoid freezing – and to save on heating costs. And to spoil the anticipation even more: There could be fewer packages under the Christmas tree this year, or at least less valuable ones.
Because about half of the people in this country would like to spend less on Christmas presents this year. This is shown by a study by the market research institute Appinio, which is exclusively available to the FAZ. Almost a third of those surveyed budgeted between EUR 101 and EUR 200 for the gifts. Another third want to spend less than that. Only about 20 percent want to spend more than 200 euros for their loved ones. And the rest don’t know it yet – or simply don’t give anything away, which is quite common in some families at Christmas.
In any case, the Germans are quite upset by the price increases. Inflation is a concern for over 90 percent of those surveyed. Not even every tenth person has the feeling that they can afford as much as they did a few months ago. Especially when it comes to groceries, almost everyone surveyed complains about higher prices. This is followed by electricity, gas and petrol. One in three thinks that holidays have become more expensive.
Hardly anyone complains when it comes to luxury goods such as watches and jewellery. Only 12 percent stated that they perceive higher prices here. But that may also be due to the fact that some people do not venture into the shopping spheres of Louis Vuitton, Rolex and Co. anyway. Because expensive brands can or want to afford anyway only every tenth.
Save wherever you can
It is better to save diligently. The majority of people are now turning to other brands or goods when shopping, especially when it comes to groceries, cosmetics and hygiene products, or clothing and shoes. And it also generally ends up less in the shopping basket. Especially when it comes to electronic devices, clothes, furniture and when travelling, around 60 percent limit themselves and buy less of them.
However, the people in this country still hold on to some traditions. They continue to put the money that is left over in the piggy bank or in the checking account. Half of the people do that. About 25 percent are looking for a bit of a return on interest-bearing investments such as call money or fixed-term deposits. 17 percent also have a home savings contract. Multiple answers were possible for this question.
It remains to be seen how stubbornly people will continue to do this. Because at least one third is planning to change their own investment strategy. And she has already adapted another third. Overall, half of the study participants stated that they invest their own money in the long term. Of these, 45 percent of those surveyed choose equities, 28 percent gold and 24 percent real estate.
Then adapt to the circumstances
Some people, on the other hand, are currently spending more than they can actually afford. One in four has used installment payments for purchases. And more than one in ten people have to pay off a consumer loan.
In view of the bleak prospects, one could almost ask: Should we just cancel Christmas this year? But no. After all, the punch always tastes good, even if this year it’s cheaper to make it yourself than to buy it expensively at the market. Singing the “Silent Night” devoutly also costs nothing (at most a few nerves for one or the other). And the happy get-together on Christmas Eve is also able to defy inflation. Maybe it will be a really nice present after all.
