More money at our disposal: What would we spend it on?

Result

If Germans had extra money at their disposal, almost half would prefer to spend it on food and drink - a significant increase compared to 2010, when only 29 per cent expressed this wish. At 45 per cent, spending on travel and holiday experiences is almost on a par (2010: 38 per cent). Leisure activities, hobbies and sport are also becoming significantly more important: their share has risen by 13 percentage points within 15 years. The trend in the area of financial security is also particularly striking - here the willingness to spend has more than tripled from 9 to 31 per cent. On the other hand, the desire to invest in traditional consumer areas such as housing, furnishings and garden maintenance as well as fashion and clothing has declined. Areas such as going out, culture, mobility and digital media remain largely stable.

Reasons

The increased emphasis on nutrition and personal interests points to a growing focus on suitability for everyday life and quality of life. Culinary enjoyment fulfils several functions at the same time: it stands for physical well-being, social closeness and the feeling of doing something good for oneself. Travelling also continues to be a popular way of relaxing, self-realisation and broadening horizons. The increased importance of hobbies can be explained by the growing need for individual fulfilment, deceleration and creative activity. The noticeable growth in the area of financial provision reflects the uncertainties of recent years - such as inflation, geopolitical crises or a fluctuating pension system. In contrast, traditional consumer goods are losing their appeal as they are less often perceived as meaningful or emotionally enriching.

Forecast

In the future, private consumption will continue to focus more on personal values and needs. Life-related areas such as enjoyment, relaxation and security will continue to take centre stage - not as a luxury, but as the basis for a fulfilling everyday life. Many people are striving for experiences that are emotionally resonant, individually meaningful and have a long-term stabilising effect. Material consumption is increasingly taking a back seat - in favour of a holistic understanding of prosperity that includes not only possessions, but also health, security and meaning in life. In an increasingly complex world, such „soft“ factors are gaining in economic and social relevance.