Romanians are increasingly orienting their financial decisions toward protecting their existing resources, in a social and economic climate marked by uncertainty and financial prudence, preferring low-risk, highly liquid instruments over speculative investments.
More than half of respondents (54.1 percent) say they have chosen or would like to invest in cash reserves, according to a recent survey conducted by tbi bank on a sample of 1,006 employees nationwide. At the same time, 27.6 percent mention voluntary private pensions, while 25.2 percent point to government bonds, signaling a clear preference for financial stability and predictable long-term solutions. At the opposite end of the ranking are precious metals, mentioned by almost 9 percent of respondents, cryptocurrencies, at 5.5 percent, and the Forex market, at 1.1 percent.
Romanians’ attitude toward financial risk is dominated by caution, with most preferring safe and carefully assessed decisions, even when these limit potential gains. Thus, 38.4 percent of respondents say they are cautious and generally avoid taking financial risks, 21.2 percent say they only accept well-founded risks, while 19.5 percent state that they prefer exclusively safe decisions, even at the expense of higher potential returns.
”Romanians are going through a period in which the need for financial security weighs more heavily than the appetite for quick returns or risky decisions. We are seeing an increasingly clear shift toward liquidity, stability and financial instruments perceived as predictable, amid pressures related to the cost of living and broader economic uncertainty. At the same time, the fact that many respondents are looking for balanced solutions and carefully assess risks before making financial decisions points to a gradual maturation of financial behavior and to a growing need for education and long-term planning”, said Gergana Staykova, Market Leader, tbi bank România.
When it comes to how they make investment decisions, respondents increasingly prefer a model based on autonomy and personal control, even though many also consult specialists before making the final decision. 34.6 percent of respondents say they prefer to consult experts but make the final decision themselves, 34.3 percent choose to invest independently through investment platforms, while 18.6 percent would turn to a bank for advice and investment products.
When it comes to risk appetite in exchange for higher financial gains, most Romanians remain cautious and prefer prudent decisions, influenced by context and by the perceived level of security. 34.4 percent of respondents say their willingness to take risks depends on the context and on how safe they perceive the decision to be, 28.7 percent prefer stability even if it means lower returns, while 19.2 percent say they avoid risk and prioritize financial protection.
When it comes to giving up their current financial comfort in exchange for potentially higher future gains, people generally adopt a cautious and balanced approach, avoiding changes that could affect their immediate stability. 32.2 percent of respondents say they would be willing to make this compromise to a moderate extent, 31.4 percent only to a small extent, while more than 15 percent say they would not give up their current financial comfort at all, considering it a priority.
People’s income preferences reflect a predominant orientation toward predictability and financial security, even if this means giving up potentially higher gains. 35.3 percent of respondents say the choice depends on the situation, 28 percent would prefer a slightly lower but predictable income, while 21.3 percent would accept a higher income only if the level of uncertainty remained within what they consider an acceptable limit.
For the next 12 months, Romanians’ financial strategy is dominated by caution and the preservation of existing resources, amid an economic climate perceived as unstable and unpredictable. 31.1 percent of respondents say their priority is to preserve their current resources, 28.8 percent are trying to maintain a balance between caution and opportunities, while 21.5 percent say they are mainly focused on reducing risks and protecting their personal financial situation.
The tbi bank survey on how Romanians manage their money in 2026 was conducted online in April this year, on a total sample of 1,006 internet users in Romania. Of these, more than 53 percent are men, 66 percent work in the private sector, and almost 57 percent have a net income of over 4,000 lei.