Worldwide Wealth Survey 2025: Disconnect Remains Between Confidence and Reality

The jump in portfolio performance as a driver (from 20% to 33%) suggests better positioning – or simply better markets – while the low salary impact shows pay hasn’t done the heavy lifting. 

Twelve months ago, half of respondents globally reported feeling financially better off, while 41% felt in a financially worse position. That was a more split picture, with a big chunk feeling like they were going backwards. It sets the scene for this year’s steadier, slightly more upbeat mood. 

In contrast, 24% of respondents to this year’s survey said they felt either worse or slightly worse off, with the remaining saying they felt about the same as last year. Fewer people feel worse, and “about the same” isn’t a bad outcome after a bumpy period – it’s a base you can build from, especially if you’re saving and investing regularly. 

When asked about their financial priorities, 63% said it was to plan for their retirement, 41% to build up their savings, 42% to invest – up from 17% last year, and 13% to buy or sell property. 

That big move into investing (17% to 42%) points to renewed confidence and a desire to put cash to work, often using local tax wrappers or employer plans. 

Retirement planning taking the top spot makes sense for an expat crowd that spans countries and tax systems. Property still matters at 13%, but liquidity and flexibility seem to be getting more attention. 

Meanwhile, 21% said their priority was to relocate, while 14% cited debt reduction as top of their agenda. 

Relocation is part of expat life – career, lifestyle or tax reasons – and paying down debt is a simple, reliable win when borrowing costs bite. 

Confidence remains high – 93% describe themselves as somewhat or very confident about their long-term plan, and 53% already work with a financial adviser or planner – yet only 3.5% currently believe they will have enough for retirement. 

That’s the rub: lots of confidence, not much certainty about the end goal. Even with an adviser in the mix, there may be gaps – contribution levels, clarity on targets, or scattered accounts across countries. 

People might also be underestimating how long retirement lasts, healthcare costs, and the drag of inflation over decades. 

“The findings of our Worldwide Wealth Survey this year shows that while expats are becoming more financially resilient, building savings, strengthening investment portfolios, and focusing on retirement, there’s still a significant disconnect between confidence and reality,” says Hoxton Wealth CEO Chris Ball.

“Nearly everyone feels confident about their long-term planning, yet only a small fraction believe they’ll have enough for retirement. 

“This gap highlights the importance of getting structured financial advice: it’s not enough to feel on track, you need a clear strategy to ensure your wealth is working efficiently across savings, investments, and pensions.” 

Put simply: expats are doing a lot right – saving, investing, thinking ahead – but it’s time to turn that confidence into a concrete plan. 

Set clear retirement income targets, stress-test the numbers, lock in contribution habits, and make sure your asset mix and pensions across borders are pulling in the same direction. That way, the good feeling matches the figures.