Government launches Geldstress campaign for young people with money worries
The Ministry of Social Affairs is directing 18- to 27-year-olds to free, anonymous help from Geldfit, as the share of young adults struggling to make ends meet has risen to 54 percent.
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment has started a campaign called Geldstress (money stress) during the Week tegen Armoede, aimed at getting young people with money worries to seek help sooner. It targets people aged 18 to 27 and directs them to Geldfit.
Why it matters
- Geldfit help is free and anonymous, by WhatsApp, the chat on geldfit.nl or phone on 0800-8115.
- Geldfit can refer young people to help in their area and stays in contact until next steps are clear.
- It can also point them to schemes they are entitled to.
According to research by Nibud, cited by the ministry, the share of young adults who struggle to make ends meet rose from 40 percent in 2024 to 54 percent in 2026.
The ministry says young people are especially vulnerable, with ads for crypto investing and buy-now-pay-later schemes everywhere. At 18 they suddenly have to arrange a lot themselves, including their finances, and many do not immediately see the consequences.
Minister Hans Vijlbrief said: "A debt may start small, but it can quickly have big consequences." He said contacting Geldfit in time helps young people find a solution and learn what they are entitled to.
Geldfit director Pauline van Brakel said almost everyone has questions or worries about money. "A WhatsApp message to Geldfit is enough to take the first step together," she said.
The campaign runs online, using podcasts, social media and content creators. The government hopes to reach more young people through people they know and so lower the threshold for asking for help.
Week tegen Armoede
The Week against Poverty is an annual week in the Netherlands, held in October, when municipalities, organisations and government bodies draw public attention to poverty and to the help available for people with financial problems. During the week, the campaigns and events are aimed at reaching people who may not yet know where to turn for support.
Geldfit
Geldfit is a Dutch online platform offering free information and practical tools on managing personal money, aimed especially at young people. It is where people with money worries can find guidance on budgeting and debt, and it is often used as a first step before seeking more intensive help.
Nibud (Nederlands Instituut voor Budgetvoorlichting)
Nibud is the Dutch Institute for Family Finance Information, an independent, non-profit organisation that provides budget advice and free budget tools for households. It also carries out research into how people in the Netherlands manage their money, and its findings are often cited by government and media.