Poverty and Welfare Survey 2005

The aim of the survey was to get a picture of Finns' financial well-being. Respondents were asked about their housing situation and their satisfaction with their current standard of living. Respondents were asked about the necessity or non-necessity of various commodities and services for today's Finnish adults. They were also asked whether they considered certain goods and services necessary for themselves. These included a mobile phone, a car, clothing, eating out and home furnishings, getting a haircut, home insurance and health services. Respondents reported on how financial matters are handled in their family and whether there are income differences between spouses. Attitudes towards social security and poverty were explored, for example by asking about poverty, welfare recipients or those in need of social security benefits, the minimum income and whether the basic income support is sufficient. Finally, respondents indicated how much they have in terms of income, expenses and loans. Background variables included the respondent's year of birth, gender, marital status, type of housing, household size and number of children, region of residence at age 14 and at present, highest level of education, economic activity of self and spouse, socio-economic status and monthly income of the household.