Spaniards save up to 190 euros thanks to the help of their neighbors
The economic crisis, exacerbated by the rising cost of living, especially underlying inflation, has led many families to explore new ways of facing financial challenges.. One of the solutions is to go to the community for help.
According to a Nextdoor study, solidarity between neighbors emerges as a beacon of hope, offering significant relief to those facing a vulnerable economic situation. 73% of the people surveyed have been affected by the rising cost of living. Meanwhile, 61% of Spanish residents claim to have received help from their community, highlighting the effectiveness of local collaboration in difficult times.
Katherine Villegas, City Manager of Nextdoor, explains that “mutual help and solidarity between neighbors are key factors for everyday savings.”
This has allowed Spaniards to avoid expensive locksmith services (20%), receive assistance with repairs (19%), or even share food (13%).
One in three Spaniards considers that having a close relationship with their neighbors has helped them save up to 190 euros in the form of chores and about 100 euros in borrowed objects.
The study highlights that, in the midst of these challenges, 50% of Spaniards consider that having neighbors has been essential to reduce the impact of the ongoing economic crisis.
Neighborhood acceptance of help is remarkably high, with 82% of Nextdoor users indicating they would be willing to accept help if they were in a vulnerable financial situation. Also in the other direction: more than half (55.5%) expressed their willingness to financially support neighbors in difficulty, offering food, work or helping them find a job.
Maribel Randon, one of the neighbors, expresses that being connected to her neighborhood has allowed her to save, “I have found a handyman who helps me with the repairs of my home.” He also highlights that not only is help received but also given to others, “it is a service that benefits the community, I can donate, sell, buy and exchange things.”
Geographic location also plays a crucial role, since Spaniards living in small towns and cities are the ones who receive the most help (68%), compared to those in medium and large cities (56%) or in large capitals ( 58%).
Although an encouraging 86% of Nextdoor residents say they are more aware of saving, 64% still face difficulties in saving as much as they would like.. Faced with this situation, 76.5% have adopted savings measures, such as buying more in local stores or purchasing second-hand products.. It is relevant to note that 88% of Nextdoor users have used digital platforms to carry out these practices, consolidating the importance of technology in building and strengthening communities.
Liliana Potes, another of the neighbors, talks about her experience as a migrant, “when you come from another country you feel very alone but thanks to the help of my community I have found people I can lean on, that's how I got a job.”