Our money
💰 Tax season is here, and while most just check if they’re getting a refund, there’s more to it than that. The tax ministry urges people to review deductions carefully. Popular ones include the transport deduction for commuting over 24 km, the service deduction for home help like cleaning or gardening, the interest deduction for loan payments, and pension contributions (up to 63,100 DKK). Work-related travel costs, charitable donations, investment losses, and property taxes should also be checked for accuracy. If you’re owed money, expect payouts from April 25. Last year, we got back around 25 billion DKK.
🔒 Tax season is prime time for scams. Cybercriminals take advantage of the rush to check tax returns by sending fake emails and SMS messages that mimic Skat, often using AI to make them look convincing. These scams trick people into entering bank details, which can later be used in fraud attempts. Reminder: Skat never sends emails or texts with links. If you receive one, do not click. Instead, log in directly via skat.dk.
💰 Regular “economy dates” can help couples stay on the same financial page, avoid surprises, and reach their goals faster. Setting aside time every two months to review spending, savings, and long-term plans like pensions or home buying can prevent misunderstandings. Keeping money conversations open makes financial planning feel less like a chore and more like teamwork.
🛒 A local grocery store in Sandved was saved by its residents after the owner was forced to close due to financial and health reasons. A citizen-led effort sold 333 ownership shares at 1,500 DKK each, raising enough funds to keep the store running. A new shopkeeper has been found, and the community-backed store will reopen on March 22, ensuring a vital service remains in town.
👶 The option to receive financial support for home parenting has become unexpectedly popular, putting pressure on municipal budgets. Some municipalities are now reducing or scrapping the scheme, as more parents opt to keep their children at home instead of daycare. While some see this as a positive family choice, others worry about rising costs without corresponding savings in childcare institutions.
🔬 Researchers and innovators from Denmark have secured strong results in Horizon Europe, participating in nearly 1,600 international research and innovation projects since 2021. Denmark has received 1.08 billion euros in EU funding, with a major focus on health, climate, digitalization, and sustainability. Collaboration is strongest with Germany, followed by Spain and Italy. Most funding supports global challenges and industrial competitiveness.
State of the markets
⚡Denmark just produced the world’s first commercial bottle of e-methanol, made with wind and solar power, in Kassø near Aabenraa. It’s a big green step for heavy transport like ships and planes, though still too pricey for your car. Think of it as the wind turbine’s baby cousin, with big dreams.
🛠️ Defense and aerospace industries are booming, with over 1,000 new jobs created in companies producing everything from satellite tech in Aalborg to F-35 components in GrenĂĄ. Denmark’s defense sector is growing fast, but experts say long-term political direction is needed to ensure sustainable expansion and international competitiveness.
🇺🇸 Boycott movement against U.S. products gains traction. Frustrations over Trump’s rhetoric on Greenland, trade tariffs, and geopolitical tensions have sparked a Danish consumer protest, with more than 85,000 joining a Facebook group to boycott American goods. Experts say this kind of consumer backlash can have lasting effects, shifting demand toward European alternatives.
📉 Trade war tensions — should you worry? The U.S. is raising tariffs left and right, and while Denmark has strong trade ties with the U.S., only a small part of exports will actually be hit. Nationalbanken (National Bank) says most companies from Denmark producing for the American market already have factories in the U.S., so the impact will be limited. Still, uncertainty is creeping in, making it harder for businesses to plan.
🏡 Your next home is about to get more expensive. Nationalbanken (National Bank) expects housing prices to rise 3.4% this year and another 3.2% in both 2026 and 2027, adding up to a total increase of just over 10%. Low inflation, rising wages, and a solid job market are fueling the trend. Meanwhile, consumer confidence is dropping, but that’s not slowing down the market. Good news if you own; less so if you’re trying to buy.
🛒Many “healthy” foods in supermarkets contain more sugar than Coca-Cola, yet they still advertise added vitamins and fiber. Innocent smoothies, Actimel yogurts, and Nesquik cereals use clever marketing, but experts warn these ultra-processed foods can be harmful. The consumer organization Forbrugerrådet Tænk wants new EU rules to prevent misleading health claims, but despite a 2009 promise, strong lobbying has blocked changes. Until stricter rules arrive, checking ingredient lists is the only way to avoid sugar-heavy surprises.
