Nearly half of Swiss surveyed lack savings to weather three months without income

Almost 45% of people surveyed in Switzerland would face financial difficulties after three months without income, according to a study by the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW). The finding puts a clear measure on the gap between saving something and having enough cash ready to carry a household through a prolonged interruption to earnings.

The survey found that 82% save at least occasionally. Yet 15% lack sufficient liquid reserves to maintain their standard of living without income, while another 30% could cover expenses for only one to three months. At the other end, 23% have liquid savings that could sustain their standard of living for more than a year.

ZHAW surveyed 963 people in June. Its results suggest that the size and immediate availability of savings matter alongside the habit of putting money aside. A household may save regularly and still have little money accessible when earnings stop.

A regular savings habit does not guarantee a long financial runway. The ZHAW findings separate people who save occasionally from those with liquid reserves large enough to maintain their standard of living if income disappears. Fifteen per cent of respondents said their available reserves would not be sufficient even briefly, and 30% could cover expenses for one to three months.

Selina Lehner, a ZHAW expert, said: “Saving regularly does not necessarily mean that a household is sufficiently prepared for a loss of income: it is also crucial how much cash is already available and how long it would last in an emergency,”

The survey’s figures show sharply different levels of protection. Nearly one quarter, 23%, reported enough liquid savings to maintain their standard of living for more than a year. The findings focus on money available to households, rather than saving as an occasional activity. That distinction is particularly relevant when regular earnings stop and day-to-day expenses continue.

Recurring bills are the most commonly cited source of financial concern. Rising fixed costs were named by 22% of respondents, ahead of insufficient financial security before retirement, cited by 12%, and worries about funding future wishes and goals, cited by 11%.

Rent, health insurance premiums and other regular outgoings can steadily draw down the money available to absorb an unexpected expense. Holger Hohgardt, a ZHAW specialist, said: “Rising fixed costs do not place a one-off burden on households, but month after month: when liquidity is limited, they reduce the financial buffer and make it harder to absorb unexpected expenses,”

The survey also points to pressure in everyday money management. Almost one in four people, 24%, had to borrow money in the previous 12 months. And 29% had difficulty paying a tax bill on time in at least one of the previous five years. Together, the responses show how recurring expenses and short-term cash needs figure in household finances.

Financial satisfaction averaged 5.6 out of 10, below the 7.2 score for life satisfaction. The difference highlights how respondents can feel broadly satisfied with life while rating their personal finances less positively. Maintaining their standard of living was a priority for 29%, while 24% said their main goal was to avoid financial worries in daily life.

The results connect those priorities with the practical question of how long liquid savings can support a household. The survey found that nearly 45% would face financial difficulties after three months without income, even though most respondents said they save at least occasionally. For many, the strain sits in the space between regular saving and a reserve that can cover ongoing costs.

The ZHAW study, based on 963 respondents surveyed in June, also records concerns about retirement security and future goals. Its figures place ready access to money at the centre of household financial stability when earnings are interrupted.