The holidays: joy and financial stress
Christmas is a time of lights, gifts, and shared moments, but for many Italians, it also brings significant financial stress. According to HYPE, the Italian neobank simplifying money management, this phenomenon particularly affects younger individuals and those with limited economic resources, deeply shaping their relationship with money during the festive season.
Through a comprehensive analysis of over 9,000 responses, HYPE explored how age, education, and income impact financial habits and emotions, with a special focus on the holiday period.
Key findings
- Young people and holiday stress
Younger generations, especially those aged 18–34, report feeling the most financial pressure during the holidays. Over 22% of respondents view the Christmas season as the most financially stressful time of the year. - The role of education
Education level significantly influences financial stress: individuals with lower educational attainment worry more about their financial situation (35%) and are more prone to impulse buying (33%) than those with higher degrees. - Income matters
Those with limited economic resources are more likely to engage in unnecessary purchases as a coping mechanism for financial stress. About 31% admit to frequent impulse buying, compared to 22% of those in stable financial conditions.
Top sources of financial stress
Beyond the holidays, everyday life is rife with economic challenges. Fixed expenses such as bills, groceries, and medical care are the leading cause of financial stress for 60% of respondents, followed by leisure activities (32%) and goods purchases (22%).
To tackle these issues, many individuals turn to credit solutions. HYPE’s Credit Boost service, which grew by 80% in 2024, offers instant loans of up to €2,000 directly through the app.
Building a community-centered approach
HYPE prioritizes its community by fostering financial awareness through surveys and gamified tools. This approach empowers customers to better manage their finances and navigate economic difficulties with confidence.
