Over 75% of Dutch people report satisfaction with their lives, assigning an average happiness score of 7.3 out of 10. Health and social connections rank highest, yet work, income, and financial security are also pivotal. A strong sense of financial control notably boosts happiness, according to the inaugural "Happiness, Generations & Money" survey by BinckBank, polling Dutch adults aged 17 to 77.
Key findings:
On happiness
Dutch respondents average 7.3 on the happiness scale (0-10).
76% are satisfied with life.
Health tops the list of happiness drivers.
Ages 35-45 report lower happiness than other groups.
66% feel 'rich' overall; above-average earners rise to 82%.
Nearly 4 in 10 worry regularly about their financial future.
On happiness and money
91% say sorted finances make them happier.
Income satisfaction lags behind health and relationships.
Above-average earners score 7.7 vs. 6.9 for below-average.
Ages 55-65 worry most about finances.
Just 36% believe millionaires are always happier than welfare recipients.
Over-65s rate income highest at 7.0.
On money and enjoyment
Three-quarters of youth save windfalls for the future.
Younger people prioritize enjoyable jobs over higher pay.
53% of men spend windfalls immediately.
Men report greater happiness from lottery wins or gifts.
On money, happiness, and choices
65% hold themselves accountable for financial futures.
Women save more for family.
46% of men aim to retire early vs. women.
Only 15% of low-income earners plan early retirement.
Just one-third of under-25s seek early retirement.
On saving and investing
86% feel in control of finances.
Youth more often delegate financial management.
15% invest.
97% of women prefer saving over investing.
Half of under-35s have ramped up retirement savings lately.
Over-55s trust Trump or Rutte equally with money—not youth.
