Nearly half of Irish adults unaware savings are losing value, survey finds

Almost half of adults in Ireland are unaware that their savings may be losing value in traditional deposit accounts, according to new research commissioned by Unio Wealth Management.

The firm’s Savings Reality Survey found that while many households continue to prioritise saving, inflation is steadily eroding the real value of cash sitting in bank accounts, leaving many consumers at risk of falling behind financially over the long term.

The findings come as Irish households hold more than €170bn in bank deposits, underlining the country’s strong savings culture.

However, the report argues that an overreliance on cash savings could be costing consumers significantly over time.

Research showed that 28% of ABC1 consumers increased their savings over the past year, but many remain reluctant to invest.

Almost half of adults in Ireland are unaware that their savings may be losing value in traditional deposit accounts, according to new research commissioned by Unio Wealth Management.

The firm’s Savings Reality Survey found that while many households continue to prioritise saving, inflation is steadily eroding the real value of cash sitting in bank accounts, leaving many consumers at risk of falling behind financially over the long term.

The findings come as Irish households hold more than €170bn in bank deposits, underlining the country’s strong savings culture.

However, the report argues that an overreliance on cash savings could be costing consumers significantly over time.

Research showed that 28% of ABC1 consumers increased their savings over the past year, but many remain reluctant to invest.

One in three adults surveyed said investing feels too risky because of market volatility, rising to 38% among higher-income households.

At the same time, 40% of respondents admitted they “don’t know enough about investing”, while 23% said they find investing too complicated. Among higher-income households, that figure rose to 31%.

The survey also highlighted what Unio describes as a growing “advice gap” in Ireland, with an estimated 2.6 million people having not accessed financial advice in more than two years.

According to the company, this lack of guidance is preventing many consumers from taking steps to protect the long-term value of their savings.

Using its newly launched Savings Reality Calculator, Unio estimates that a saver with €300,000 left entirely in cash deposits could see the real value of their money fall by more than €64,000 over a decade due to inflation, reducing its purchasing power to approximately €235,646.

By comparison, the same amount invested in a balanced diversified portfolio could potentially grow in real terms to €374,378 over the same period, illustrating what the company calls an “opportunity gap” between holding cash and investing for growth.

Derek Buckley, Chief Commercial Officer, Unio Wealth Management, said inflation remains an underestimated threat to household wealth.

“Inflation can quietly erode savings, and many people don’t realise the impact,” he said.

“While Ireland’s saving culture is a national strength, it’s important to understand how cash can lose value over time.

“Without a plan that can outpace inflation, households risk falling behind despite their best efforts.”

Buckley said fears around market volatility continue to outweigh concerns about inflation, despite inflation creating what he described as a “guaranteed loss of purchasing power” over time for those holding excess cash.

“We encourage people to try Unio’s Savings Reality Calculator to see the effect for themselves,” he added.

“The right advice and planning can help people make informed decisions with confidence, making their money work harder and building long-term financial resilience.”

The report suggests that despite greater access to investment platforms and financial products in recent years, uncertainty and a lack of financial confidence continue to keep many Irish consumers on the sidelines when it comes to investing.

Unio said the calculator was designed to help consumers better understand the long-term impact inflation can have on savings and to encourage more informed conversations around financial planning and wealth management.

Source: Cormac Cahill, Business Plus, 22nd May 2026.