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Happiness and priorities differ per generation

More than three quarters of the Dutch are satisfied with the life they lead and in terms of happiness we give ourselves an average score of 7.3. Health and social contacts are crucial for happiness, but work, income and money are also important. A sense of financial security and a grip on money increase the feeling of happiness. This is apparent from the first edition of a recurring survey on "Happiness, Generations &Money" by Binck among Dutch people aged 17 to 77.

These are the most important results:

About happiness
The Dutch give themselves an average of 7.3 on the happiness scale (between 0 and 10)
76% of the Dutch are satisfied with the life they lead.
Health is the most important factor in happiness.
Dutch people between the ages of 35 and 45 feel that they enjoy less than other generations.
66% of the Dutch feel 'rich'. Above average, this is 82%.
Almost 4 in 10 Dutch people are regularly very concerned about the financial future.

About happiness and money
91% of the Dutch become happier if their financial affairs are in order.
The Dutch are the least happy about their income (including health and social contacts).
Above average says they are happier ( 7.7) than below average (6.9)
The 55-65 age group is most concerned about their financial future.
Being a millionaire is no guarantee of happiness. Minority Dutch (36%) think that millionaires are always happier than people on welfare.
The over-65s are the most satisfied with their income and give it a 7.0.

About money and enjoyment
Three-quarters of young people use a financial windfall for later.
Young people find a nice job with a lower salary better than the other way around.
The majority of men (53%) prefer to give a windfall immediately out.
Men in particular are happier with a lottery prize or a donation.

About money, happiness and choices
65% of the Dutch believe that you are responsible for your own financial future.
Women are more likely to save for children and family.
Men (46%) more often want to stop working earlier than women.
Only 15% of Dutch people with a low income have arranged something to stop working earlier.
Only one-third of young people under the age of 25 indicate that they want to stop working earlier.

About saving and investing
86% of the Dutch say that they have control over their finances.
Young people outsource their financial management more often than the elderly.
15% of the Dutch invest.
97% of women prefer saving to investing.
About half of the young people under 35 have recently started saving more for later.
The over-55s let money be managed by Trump as well as by Rutte. Not young people.