In times of economic uncertainty, financial education is crucial for those seeking to avoid debt and achieve dreams such as buying a property, and long-term goals such as ensuring a comfortable retirement.
According to the Central Bank and the Credit Protection Service (SPC Brazil), in 2023, the indebtedness of Brazilian families reached a record level, with nearly 80% of families in debt. This reinforces the importance of conscious financial management, based on planning and organization, to achieve the desired economic stability.
According to Jenni Almeida, founder and CEO of Invest4U, financial education has the potential to transform lives, teaching everything from creating a personal budget to investment strategies. Financial advisory firms focusing on this issue offer personalized strategies that help protect assets. ‘An advisory should go far beyond offering financial products, it should prepare people for a prosperous and secure future. By offering a customized plan tailored to individual needs, we can develop a solid strategy aligned with their life goals,’ she explains.
Change in investment mentality
Despite the challenges, Brazilians, traditionally more focused on savings, have started to explore other more profitable financial instruments. In 2023, the country saw a 10% increase in the number of investors in government bonds, with over 2 million people investing in Tesouro Direto, according to data from the Central Bank. “This reflects a change in financial mindset, with more people seeking to protect their resources strategically, but many still have doubts about how to continue exploring these investment opportunities,” points out Jenni.
The SIM method (Support, Investment, and Multiplication), used by Invest4U, aims to provide a life plan that considers both protection and multiplication of clients’ wealth. “Financial education is the basis for any long-term achievement. When people understand how to manage their resources efficiently, they start to invest with more security and clarity, and this opens doors to achieving dreams that once seemed distant,” explains the CEO.
Investments for a prosperous future
For those who desire a comfortable income after the end of their careers, it is important to start investing early, prioritizing options such as fixed income, private pension, and government bonds, as they offer stability and predictability of returns. “The IPCA+ Treasury, for example, is a highly sought-after bond, as it combines inflation variation with a fixed rate, protecting investors’ purchasing power over time,” emphasizes Jenni.
Private pension, with its PGBL and VGBL modalities, is also an interesting tool, especially for those seeking wealth succession due to the tax benefit that allows deductions of up to 12% on taxable income, as is the case with PGBL. ‘With moderate monthly contributions, these products can ensure returns that support passive income in the future, without compromising the accumulated capital,’ recommends the specialist.
