A study by the National Debt Register of the Economic Information Bureau shows that women’s debts are more than 2.5 times smaller than men’s. Most women admitted that they spend too much on shopping, but men have a greater tendency to buy expensive items on the spur of the moment.

IMAS International, commissioned by the National Debt Register (KRD), examined the approach to the finances of men and women in relationships. Although ladies can boast a smaller amount of unpaid liabilities (EUR 2.9 billion) than men (EUR 7.6 billion), the results showed that both genders have similar habits and experiences with payments.

Most people, regardless of gender, said they acted responsibly when it comes to paying their liabilities. For nearly 80 percent of men and women, paying in installments is a priority and they don’t spend the money allocated for this purpose on other things.

The survey showed that men are a bit more diligent in making repayments. Of those male’s surveyed, 66 percent said they had never forgotten to repay a loan installment on time. Among women, this percentage was 58 percent. Every sixth respondent admitted that they had to deal with collection actions against them due to unpaid debt.

Most men and women admitted that their spending has increased over the past two years. Slightly less than one in four believed they had remained the same, and 6 percent said they were spending less than two years ago.

The authors of the study pointed out that it is men in relationships that more often choose expensive, impulsive purchases. One in four males admitted that they had spent over PLN 500 (EUR 109) on spur of the moment purchases at least several or many times.

Despite being less likely to incur unplanned, costly expenses, women have a greater feeling that they are spending too much on shopping, with 39 percent of them revealing this belief.

The study “Finance in hand” was conducted by IMAS International on behalf of the National Debt Register in January and February 2021 using the CAWI method on a representative group of 600 Poles in relationships who have had loans or bought items in installments.