An unpublished study commissioned by Ymanci from the polling firm OpinionWay has found that debt consolidation is increasingly common among middle-class households in France. Contrary to the common belief that it is only used by those in financial difficulty, the study shows that people are turning to this financial strategy for various reasons, including simplifying their budgets and managing their finances more effectively. Conducted between May 29 and June 15, 2026, the study surveyed 1,001 individuals who have consolidated their debts, highlighting a growing trend that goes beyond mere survival. Hugues Rolland du Roscoät, a spokesperson for Ymanci, said the findings challenge the perception of debt consolidation as a last resort. "This exclusive study in France shows that credit consolidation is not only a response to financial difficulties. French people also use it to simplify their budget and realize their projects, thus proving its varied utility," he explained. The study reveals that the average age of those who have consolidated their credit is 50.1 years, higher than the national average. More than half of the participants are over 50, with a significant number in the 50-64 age group. The study also highlights the stability of these households. Around 70% live in couples, and 41% have at least one child, with an average of 2.7 people per household. In terms of housing, 69% are homeowners, with 44% of them debt-free and 25% still acquiring property. The geographical distribution shows that 75% of consolidations occur in provincial areas, with Île-de-France being overrepresented at 25% of cases, despite having only 18% of the French population. The Northeast accounts for 25% of requests, while the Southwest has only 8%. The study challenges the stereotype that debt consolidation is only used by those in financial distress. Higher and intermediate socio-professional categories are well represented, with 18% of borrowers being managers, professionals, or business owners. Intermediate professions make up 20% of borrowers, surpassing their proportion in the general population. While employees and workers make up the majority at 27%, retirees represent 29% of borrowers, often using consolidation to manage the financial transition into retirement. Annual incomes show that 42% of households earn between 24,000 and 42,000 euros, with a third earning more than 42,000 euros annually. This suggests that debt consolidation is being used as a tool for budget realignment by households that are sometimes financially stable. The study also notes a sociological shift, with nearly 58% of participants having consolidated their debts in the last five years. Younger generations are adopting this strategy more frequently, with 51% of those under 35 doing so between 2021 and 2023. Older generations, in contrast, mostly consolidated before 2020, with 74% of those over 65 having done so earlier. The rise in younger users may be due to digitalization and better access to information. The motivations for debt consolidation are diverse, with nearly 49% seeking to reduce monthly payments, 24% aiming to simplify credit management, and 10% financing new projects. For younger borrowers, the goal is often not to rescue a failing budget but to optimize their financial situation.