Recent events have made economics more interesting for Poles. However, while knowledge about saving is no longer a major challenge, insufficient knowledge of macroeconomics and more advanced forms of investing poses a significant barrier. Unfortunately, as many as 521 TP3T respondents do not take steps to deepen their economic knowledge. At the same time, a growing number of people declare a sense of financial security – 411 TP3T respondents. The latest survey, "Level of Economic Knowledge of Poles 2026," by the Warsaw Institute of Banking and the WSE Foundation, sheds light on what and how much we know about our own finances and the national economy.
According to the data, 41% respondents report feeling financially secure. This is 19 percentage points more than a year ago. Poles most often attribute this to professional stability (49%) and having a financial cushion (41%). In turn, one in three respondents indicated a satisfactory level of income. External factors, such as price levels (20%), the stability of the national economy (18%), and the social, political, and legal situation in the country (17%), were significantly less likely to be emphasized. This represents a significant change compared to last year, when stability in the country was important to 38% respondents.
Household budget under control, investments still a challenge
As part of the study, respondents completed an economic knowledge test, with scores for each financial area presented on a scale of 0 to 4 points. The results show that respondents performed best (with an average of more than half of correct answers) on topics related to taxes, public finances, the pension system, and deposits and savings accounts. This demonstrates improving knowledge of, among other things, secure forms of capital protection.
Significantly weaker results were achieved in more complex areas related to investing. The level of knowledge regarding ETFs, bonds, stocks, and investment funds remains significantly lower, which may indicate a need to intensify educational efforts regarding more advanced financial instruments.
Knowledge or Coincidence? One in three respondents trusts their own intuition.
Poles most often report that they gain economic knowledge from financial experts (47% respondents). Next in line, with very similar results, are family and friends (38%) and their own experience and intuition (37%). This indicates that, alongside the authority of professionals, informal social networks, individual practices, and observations also play a significant role.
The study's authors note that over half of Poles (52%) do not actively pursue financial literacy, relying primarily on random sources of information. They are least active in areas related to credit and debt, investments, public finances, and entrepreneurship.
Cryptocurrencies – time for education
The greatest gaps in financial knowledge concern cryptocurrencies, reported by 32% respondents, while only 27% declared a thorough understanding of their operation. Cryptocurrencies are perceived as complex, risky, and requiring further education, which translates into their limited practical use. A small percentage of the population, primarily men aged 25–34, invest in them. Interest in more complex financial instruments such as stocks, investment funds, ETFs, certificates, options, and cryptocurrencies remains low (ranging from 2 to 8%), and higher levels of familiarity with these tools are primarily reported by men and younger individuals aged 18–24. The data shows that society still prefers safe and traditional forms of saving over more complex investments.
Financial competence in the eyes of Poles
Respondents perceive financial competences as equally important as other key skills, although they place the greatest importance on logical thinking (31%), self-development (28%), and effective communication and collaboration (26%). Competencies most often perceived as less important than financial competences include knowledge of different cultures (27%) and foreign languages (19%). Improving economic knowledge is primarily associated with increased financial security, better living conditions, and more effective saving and investing – this is the opinion of over 20% respondents. Practical benefits in managing a household budget and protecting against fraud are also important (18%), while the impact on mental, health, and social aspects is less frequently mentioned.
The survey was conducted in February 2026 on the nationwide Ariadna research panel, using a sample of 1,099 people using CAWI (computer-assisted online interviewing). The results of the 9th annual survey commissioned by the Warsaw Institute of Banking and the WSE Foundation – "Level of Economic Knowledge of Poles" – were presented at a press conference on April 7. The National Depository for Securities (KDPW) was a partner in the survey.
The full report from the study “Level of economic knowledge of Poles 2026” is available on the websites of the Warsaw Institute of Banking Foundation and the GPW Foundation.
MEDIA CONTACT
Warsaw Institute of Banking
Sylwia Perzyna
tel. 574 877 637
sperzyna@wib.org.pl
