Raul Putilean, a manager at the investment platform Finax, discussed prevalent economic misconceptions among Romanians. He states that Romanians favor investing in real estate over stocks due to a perceived sense of security with tangible assets. However, he argues that the hidden costs associated with property—like maintenance and taxes—are often overlooked. According to the expert, Romanians have collectively lost approximately 18 billion lei in purchasing power over the past year due to inflation. Putilean made these statements while attending the city days celebration in Bistrița. This highlights a crucial need for financial literacy and a deeper understanding of investment strategies within Romania to combat the effects of economic instability. The preference for "bricks and mortar" obscures the true cost of investment, leaving many financially vulnerable.