The survey was carried out between the 7th and 16th of December via the Internet by the Portuguese Society Observatory, of the Faculty of Economic and Business Sciences of the UCP, to 1,001 people between 20 and 69 years old and intended to assess expectations and intentions for this year and feelings in the face of covid-19.

According to the opinion study, 60.2% of Portuguese people are pessimistic or very pessimistic in relation to 2023, with the majority being concerned or very concerned about the increase in energy spending (85.3%), food (82 %), fuel (76.5%), rent and home loan instalments (63.5%).

Despite the concern expressed, only a fifth (21.8%) of respondents fear having difficulties in meeting the financial obligations assumed for 2023, such as the home loan (42.7%), personal or consumer credit (35.3 %), household income (31.7%), payment for school or extracurricular activities (22%) and payment of loans to family members or acquaintances (14.7%).

Most participants admit that this year they will have to resort to their savings to support some extraordinary costs (68.1%) and will have to reduce their consumption (54.4%), since they will have some or great difficulty in maintaining their standard of living (57.1%).

According to the survey, most Portuguese will try to save on meals away from home (75.5%), buying clothes (64.7%), traveling (57.5%) and purchasing personal items (50.0%).