3 months Ago
Despite these pressures, 64 percent of adults believe they have enough savings left for unanticipated expenses. That number has improved slightly since two years ago.
Wage Growth & Wealth Gap
Wage increases have helped attract additional paying customers, according to money experts. Minimum wage increased in two parts, in January and again in July. Many collective labour agreements also increased wages. Last year, just over one-third of Dutch people had increases in their incomes, with men more than women. By contrast, one in ten had to report a decrease in income - more women than men.
Women are always more impacted, made financially vulnerable, especially when they reduce their working hours when they have children and the gender gap that still exists.
Young Adult Concerns
Also, while slight, the financial survey reported that just under half the Dutch population are worried about their financial future, and one in four reported feeling stress each time they receive a bill. The survey pointed out that 42 percent of young adults (aged 18-34) reported being unable to purchase a home for financial reasons.
Experts noted that today's young adults face competition and challenges to this economic foundation: student debt, unstable employment contracts and the repeated cycle of expensive housing. The tight labour market helps those who successfully secure a job. They can earn a relatively decent wage to help pay bills; however, housing costs are still out of reach. This remains one of the waiting tasks for the incoming government.
