The VIVES 2025 barometer, produced in partnership with Viavoice, Boursobank and Natixis Wealth Management, highlights a persistent reality: the French report to money remains deeply influenced by stereotypes and structural inequalities. This year, the study offers an unprecedented focus on money within the couple, revealing significant differences between men and women.
A gendered perception of money
When questioning the French about what money represents for them, a clear divergence appears: 43 % of men associate money with freedom, while 39 % of women see it as a source of anxiety. This discrepancy is also manifested in the professional sphere: 50 % of men dare to ask for an increase against only 33 % of women. This trend is confirmed during salary negotiations, where only 32 % of women feel comfortable, compared to 53 % of men.
A persistent taboo and a lack of financial daring
Money remains a delicate subject of conversation for 55 % of French people. However, young people under the age of 35 seem to be more inclined to speak openly (51 %). The study also highlights a notable difference in taking financial risks: 23 % of men invest in the stock market, against only 11 % of women. For fear of losing money, 39 % of women avoid these investments, compared to 31 % of men.
The couple: between income inequalities and distribution of expenses
In 73 % of heterosexual couples, it is the man who perceives the highest income, against only 26 % where it is the woman. However, this disparity does not seem to generate major tensions: 84 % of women and 90 % of men declare that the income gap in their couple is not a problem. On the other hand, among young generations, this situation is more disputed: 27 % of men aged 25 to 34 and 19 % of women aged 18 to 34 believe that a higher female salary can cause tensions.
In terms of financial management, the roles remain gendered: 25 % of men deal with financial investments against only 7 % of women, while 18 % of women take care of everyday expenses, against 9 % of men. In addition, a quarter of people in a couple do not have a personal bank account, a situation that can expose women to increased financial dependence.
A glaring need for financial education
If 79 % of French people believe to manage their money well, a minority (36 %) manifests an interest in training in financial management. Standing fact: it is the people who need it the least – men, CSP+ and those under 35 – who are the most motivated by these training courses. On the other hand, 60 % of women say they are interested in training provided by their employer, in particular to better understand their pay slip.
Breaking taboos and promoting the financial independence of women
Faced with these observations, Sibylle the mayor, executive director of Bayard and founder of lively media, underlines the importance of deconstructing these inequalities: “ For many women, money remains a source of anxiety and an area perceived as risky, long reserved for their spouse. One of our major commitments is to help women go beyond this apprehension and break stereotypes. »»
Financial education thus appears to be a fundamental lever to allow women to better manage their money and assert their economic autonomy. A dynamic that Boursobank and Natixis Wealth Management also support, convinced that democratizing access to financial knowledge is essential to build a more equitable future.
If mentalities are slowly evolving, the 2025 VIVES barometer highlights the urgency of collective awareness. Encourage women to speak of money, support them in their financial autonomy and fight against gender inequalities in money management are all challenges to be met to achieve real economic equality.
