During a recent talk show, economic and social experts in Serbia discussed the financial landscape facing residents, particularly focusing on living expenses, debt, and perceptions of economic wellbeing.

The conversation featured insights from businessman Nemanja Antić, economist Mahmud Bušatlija, retired pensioner Smilja Stanković, and parent Svetlana Bojković.

The panel addressed the essential financial requirements for a comfortable living in Serbia, with estimates suggesting that a family of four requires a minimum of 250,000 dinars ($2,100) per month, covering food, rent, utilities, and other necessary expenditures.

Even without factoring in savings, the threshold remains around 220,000 dinars.

Antić pointed out the psychological aspect of financial wellbeing, suggesting that many individuals tend to believe they lack essential resources due to external influences and changing consumption patterns.

He emphasized that modern living incurs additional costs that can distort financial perceptions.

Stanković shared that retired individuals often face substantial expenses related to medical aids and medications, raising concerns about how these costs impact those requiring specialized care, including examples from her personal experience regarding the financial burden of caring for children with health conditions.

Bojković described the struggle to manage household finances while ensuring proper care for her child with a severe medical condition.

She highlighted the high costs associated with treatment and the sacrifices made for her other children’s needs.

Bušatlija noted the trend of living on credit in Serbia, suggesting that many people mistakenly view loans as a solution to financial difficulties.

He explained that while taking out loans might temporarily meet immediate financial needs, it can lead to long-term debt burdens that require increased earning potential.

In his remarks, Antić provided a comparative analysis of purchasing power, stating that Serbia’s figures align closely with those of Russia and China, positioning it favorably against most of the world.

He argued that despite challenges, costs in Serbia for essentials like electricity and education are lower than in many European countries, suggesting that overall living expenses must be considered from multiple angles.

Further discussions touched on market dynamics, indicating that while the Serbian dinar may have considerable importance for importers, it poses challenges for local production and consumption.

Bušatlija cautioned that those who hold loans in foreign currencies, like euros, need to act quickly to alleviate these financial burdens due to the vulnerabilities associated with currency fluctuations.

The dialogue underscored the complexities surrounding financial management in Serbia, particularly as households navigate rising living costs amidst broader economic conditions.