Somewhat apprehensive, somewhat hedonistic, and generally lacking knowledge about effective financial management. This is the snapshot provided by the Udicon-Piepoli financial literacy survey. The sample of 502 respondents, ranging in age from 18 to 75 and encompassing both sexes, provides insight into the financial behaviors and intentions of Italians with respect to their savings. According to the survey, 44% of Italians, when they are able to save, retain their funds in a current account; 25% invest in financial instruments such as equities, bonds, or funds; 7% allocate their savings to a pension fund; and a notable 21% are unable to save at all. "Italians try to put something aside, but too often they do so out of fear, not planning", says Martina Donini, president of UDICON. What would the average Italian do if they managed to save some money at the end of the month? Here, Italians are divided in two. On one side, there are the prudent individuals (61%) who save for unforeseen future events; on the other, the hedonistic and carpe diem attitude of Italians becomes evident, as they favor allocating their savings to travel, dining out, and hobbies (40%) rather than making significant purchases such as appliances, a house, or a car (29%) or investing in stock or bond funds (25%). About 15% would save for their children. If they had additional money, 33% would use it to cover bills and other expenses. In terms of the skills required to handle their finances, the study reveals that only 10% of respondents feel "very informed" on how to effectively manage their money, while a full 52% consider themselves fairly aware, 32% "not very informed", and 6% "not at all informed". "An interesting observation", Donini notes, "is that nearly half (49%) of individuals express a desire to improve their financial management skills. Italians do not reject finance; they simply want to understand it".