A recent survey carried out by Focus Bari regarding Greeks’ attitude towards the acquisition of wealth revealed that two out of three citizens struggle to build wealth from the ground up, with younger respondents appearing to be more optimistic. The study, carried out in collaboration with Game of Money as part of the GoM Festival 2024, sheds light on the country’s economic mindset
More specifically, data shows that a striking 79% of Greeks report that financial difficulties impact their mental well-being. Meanwhile, 41% of respondents believe money does not always mean happiness, while 35% neither agree nor disagree with this view.
Furthermore, most Greeks assert that significant wealth is a privilege of the few, though younger generations tend to adopt a more positive outlook on the matter.
While the association between wealth and unethical practices increases with age, the perception of the “rich and good person” remains “alive” in Greece. According to 67% of respondents, it is rare for someone to make substantial money through entirely honest and legal means.
The study also reveals that a new reality is emerging regarding the Greeks’ income or lack of it. As statistics indicated the majority of participants admitted that they rely on other sources of income apart from their monthly salary by 55% to make ends meet, while 45% say they do not.
According to the survey, 23% of respondents earn income from rents or platforms like Airbnb, 13% generate income from interest or deposit returns, 6% profit from stock dividends, and another 6% are involved in internet marketing, leveraging digital opportunities for income.
People’s sentiment regarding their income is pessimistic as the survey indicates. One out of three Greeks report that their income does not cover their needs, one in two barely manages to make ends meet, and only one in seven claims to have sufficient income.
It is also confirmed that savings “don’t last long,” as only 15% of the population says that their savings would last for more than a year.
As for the amount of investment capital currently available to Greeks, findings reveal that the situation is disappointing.
According to data the overwhelming majority, 68%, report only having up to 1,500 euros at their disposal for investment. Eight percent of participants have amounts between 1,501 and 3,000 euros, while 6% have available funds ranging from 3,001 to 5,000 euros.