Finance

A new ING survey shows that Dutch savings buffers are growing, with many now having over €10,000 set aside. However, a significant portion of the population still has less than €500, and concerns about financial security remain high.

The Dutch national debt is on the rise again, reaching nearly half a trillion euros. This breaks down to over €27,000 per person and raises concerns about financial stability, prompting some to consider alternatives like Bitcoin.

Starting in 2026, millions of Dutch citizens will transition to a new pension system with individual pots. Twenty major funds are moving first, transferring around €500 billion, but face significant administrative and market-related challenges in December.

The Dutch government is expanding the rent subsidy (huurtoeslag) by abolishing the maximum rent limit and adjusting rules for young people. This will make an additional 170,000 renters eligible for financial support starting in the new year.

New data from the Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) reveals the average savings for different age groups in the Netherlands. The 18-25 age group has an average of €10,800 saved, while the 65-75 group holds the most at €76,600.

The Dutch government has reversed course and will increase the minimum wage in 2026, scrapping the controversial ‘buffelboete’ plan. While full-time workers will see a modest net gain, part-time employees may end up with less.

A new NIBUD study reveals that Dutch students’ pocket money has increased by 29% since 2020, outpacing inflation. The report details average amounts by age and notes shifts in saving habits and part-time work.

Over 1.6 million Dutch people with pension insurance face a potential tax bill on their retirement savings if their employers fail to transition them to the new pension system by 2028. The Tax Office will reclassify accrued pensions in old schemes as taxable income, but the issue can be easily prevented.

Significant changes are coming to the Dutch rent allowance (huurtoeslag) in 2026, including a lower age limit and adjustments to eligibility criteria. This article breaks down the new rules and provides an example for a base rent of €850.

Major Dutch pension funds for the metal and construction industries have announced significant pension increases for 2026. The metal industry fund PME will raise pensions by 2.82%, while the construction fund bpfBouw will also increase payouts as it transitions to a new pension system.