How the War Has Changed Ukrainians’ Financial Habits

Just a few years ago, we could pop into a supermarket to buy ingredients for dinner and come home with a bag full of unplanned purchases. Today, before heading to the shops, we check whether it is safe to go out, whether the shopping centre is open, and whether ordering delivery might be a better option.

In my work with lending products, I see how important it is to manage money wisely: keeping expenses under control, understanding how much you can save, and having access to your savings when you suddenly need them. During the war, these skills have become especially important. We cannot always control our circumstances, but we can prepare for them more effectively. In this article, I’ll explain how to make everyday spending more sensible.

The security situation determines not only where we shop but also how we build up supplies and allocate our budgets. This is confirmed by a Gradus study on the impact of security threats on Ukrainians’ shopping behaviour, conducted in September–October 2026.

Researchers found that shoppers in Kyiv are changing their usual routes, postponing purchases and increasingly considering delivery services. In Kharkiv, years of living under constant threat have shaped new everyday habits: people are more likely to choose nearby shops and focus on essential purchases when attacks intensify. Until recently, security concerns had a less noticeable impact on everyday shopping in Lviv, where shopping habits remained relatively stable and store choices were more often determined by familiar factors such as location, convenience, travel routes and product selection.

The desire to keep a supply of food, medicine, hygiene products and other essentials at home is entirely understandable. However, preparing for unexpected situations should also include your finances. It is important not only to buy necessities in advance but also to keep money available in case of unexpected expenses — replacing windows, urgent home or car repairs, medical needs or emergency assistance for loved ones.

That is why I recommend separating two needs: a supply of essential goods and a financial emergency fund. The risk of being unable to reach a shop tomorrow can make you want to buy more today. But you should not spend all your spare money stocking up out of fear that products might disappear from shelves or become more expensive. Some of what you buy may eventually spoil or turn out to be unnecessary.

Decide what you genuinely need to keep at home, make a shopping list and check your supplies before buying anything. Avoid adding discounted products to your basket if they are not on your list, and do not make spontaneous purchases simply because you feel like trying something or remember it while shopping.

Sometimes a small purchase for yourself or your loved ones can genuinely lift your mood. But there are also times when we overspend because of fatigue, anxiety or an attractive offer. Online shopping platforms can become a form of relaxation, making impulse purchases particularly tempting.

I am certainly not suggesting that you should give up all unplanned purchases — small pleasures matter too. The key is understanding whether you genuinely need something or simply want it in the moment.

If you are unsure, postpone the purchase for at least a few hours. This gives you time to review your budget and decide whether the item is worth the money — and whether you really need it.

The war has also influenced where we buy everyday essentials. Online shopping allows us to have products delivered to our homes, while nearby shops make it possible to quickly buy what we need right now.

According to a Gradus study conducted in May on product and retail platform preferences in 2026, 55% of Ukrainians preferred shopping online. At the same time, 81% of purchases of everyday groceries and household goods were made in physical stores. This shows that different shopping formats complement each other: online shopping is often better suited to certain needs, while physical stores are more convenient for others.

The lowest price on a website does not always mean the best deal. Compare the total cost, including delivery, travel and any additional charges.

For example, an online order costs UAH 800, but free delivery is only available for orders of UAH 1,000 or more. If you add UAH 200 worth of unnecessary products just to qualify for free delivery, your total spending increases to UAH 1,000. In this case, paying for delivery may be more economical than buying extra items.

Delivery can be worthwhile when you genuinely need several heavy items or are shopping for the entire week.

Once you understand how much you can afford to spend, it is worth considering whether your purchases could bring additional benefits. One way to achieve this is through card cashback, where the bank returns a portion of the money you spend.

Of course, cashback is not a substitute for savings, but it allows you to recover some of the money spent on purchases you were already planning to make.

For example, the SMART credit card offers 1.5% cashback on all payments starting from UAH 1 — whether you are paying utility bills, buying groceries or making any other everyday purchases.

You can receive up to UAH 3,000 in cashback per month. Using cashback cards is a great opportunity to earn rewards on your everyday spending, and it is worth taking advantage of.

However, remember not to increase your spending just to earn cashback, and do not treat your credit limit as your own money. Borrowed funds can certainly help when your own money is not enough, but you must remember that they need to be repaid to the bank.

If your credit card offers a grace period and you repay the borrowed amount before it ends, the bank will not charge you for using those borrowed funds. So always pay attention to the length of the grace period when using your credit limit.

Another financial tool worth considering is a card that pays interest on the money you keep in your account. It works similarly to a deposit, but you can withdraw your funds at any time if you urgently need them. This is particularly important now, when the security situation is so unpredictable.

An even better option is a card that combines interest on your balance with cashback on purchases.

One of the most attractive options is the CARD debit card, which offers both interest on your balance and up to 4% cashback on spending.

You can apply for the card online free of charge, while top-ups, cash withdrawals and payments are available without fees under the conditions specified in the bank’s tariffs.

The card can also be opened in US dollars or euros, allowing you to conveniently buy and sell foreign currency online at competitive exchange rates.

Of course, we cannot predict every situation we may face during the war. But we can take control of our financial decisions and choose the options that offer us the greatest benefits.

After all, planning expenses, building savings and using rewarding banking products help us not only meet our needs today but also support our loved ones when necessary and preserve our ability to plan for tomorrow.

Translation into English was created with the help of artificial intelligence.