After a decade of growth, families' savings capacity begins to decline

Portuguese families are facing increasing financial challenges as living costs rise, impacting their ability to save. Despite a nominal increase in savings in 2025, real savings decreased due to inflation. The savings rate fell to 12.3% of gross income, down from 12.5% in 2024. Housing, food, and transportation are significant expenses, with housing alone accounting for nearly 40% of total family spending. Additionally, around two million families are in debt, primarily due to mortgages. Over the past decade, savings had grown significantly, but recent trends indicate a shift in financial stability for many households.