Prostock-studio – stock.adobe.com
According to the results of a survey, a good number of French people say they are ready to invest… but do not know how.
The French need financial education. They want to invest their savings but lack the knowledge to do it correctly. This is the lesson of an OpinionWay survey carried out for BlackRock, a provider of investment solutions. However, before investing their money, the people interviewed – between May 24 and 31, 2024, before the dissolution of the National Assembly – show other priorities to ensure their financial security. Thus, 72% of French people believe that having precautionary savings is important to face difficulties, such as having a satisfactory retirement (46%) or owning your home (31%). However, 39% think that this financial security can be achieved through regular growth in their savings. A level of response similar to having a job providing a stable income.
Men and young people invest more easily
But do they know how to invest? 48% of them say they have already invested money or are ready to do so (20%). In detail, men (73% vs. 65% of women) and young people – who seem more curious than their elders with access to new online investment solutions – are more numerous. Thus, 67% of 18-24 year-olds have already invested. This proportion is even higher among 25-34 year-olds (74%).
However, 82% of those questioned find that financial products are too complex and 77% feel that they do not fully understand the mechanisms of finance. These figures seem to show the lack of financial education in France. In addition, 81% of those questioned fear losing their entire investment even though there are investments that can limit capital loss. In addition, many people think that it takes a large amount of money to invest effectively. On average, they estimate the minimum amount to invest at 8,721 euros. Nearly a third of French people surveyed think that you need at least 5,000 euros to invest. However, many solutions, developed by new players in finance, allow you to invest your money in numerous supports (shares, ETFs, SCPI, etc.) from a few euros per month. Less than 10% think that you can invest with less than 100 euros.
