The Household Finance and Consumption Survey (HFCS) 2018 was published on 30 January 2020. Data within the publication were revised on 4th June 2020. These data revisions were due to the re-calibration of weights used in the estimation of HFCS statistics. Data within the publication were revised again on 16 May 2023. These data revisions were primarily due to the supplementing of survey data with the Central Credit Register, an administrative data source obtained by the CSO in 2021. All content relating to HFCS 2018, including the Electronic Publication text, graphs and tables, Infographic, Press Release and PxStat tables, now reflect the revised data. Details as to the extent and impact of these revisions on previously published data can be found in the HFCS 2018 Revisions Information Note.
Four out of ten (40%) households reported that their regular expenses in the 12-month period prior to their interview date were less than the household’s income. These households were then asked to list their most important reasons for savings (households were allowed to list multiple reasons for savings). The most common reasons given for saving are listed in Table 7.1 below
