Half of the Netherlands feels the crisis   

By The Holland Times Friday 11 June 2010, 12:06

About half of Dutch people say they see effects of the economic crisis in their own financial situation. This is evident from the semi-annual survey commissioned by CentiQ Friday. 

The study of 780 Dutchies indicates that highly educated individuals understand their financial future in a brighter sense than those with less education.

While consumers have the feeling that the worst of the crisis is over, they are still worried about the consequences. Thus three-quarters report the impression that everything is more expensive, while half a year ago only 58 percent had that impression. Over 40 percent of Dutch people report making cuts in spending.

Over 30 percent of respondents believe that it is harder to control their own finances than a decade ago. This is not just because they have more choices, like choosing a health insurer, but also because financial products have become more complicated.

CentiQ is an organization of government, social organizations and financial institutions that advises the public on improving money matters.