The financial education portal My Pocket in Dayfrom the Brazilian Federation of Banks (Febraban), provides recommendations to avoid debt at the end of the year and enter January with your accounts in order.
The month of December has several extra expenses, such as Christmas and New Year gifts and dinners, as well as holiday trips and commercial promotions that can lead people to spend more. The director of Financial Citizenship at Febraban, Amaury Oliva, said that it is possible, with a little planning, to consume conscientiously, without having to resort to revolving cards or taking out loans.
“Differentiating wants from needs and planning expenses in a balanced way will help you start 2025 debt-free. No one gets into debt because they want to, but there are situations that can lead to debt. With financial guidance, it is possible to make the most of the extra resources that come in at the end of the year and celebrate [o Natal e o ano novo] without getting into debt”, Oliva said in a note.
Febraban’s tips include reserving part of your 13th salary to pay off debts or anticipate expenses from the beginning of the year; establish a spending limit on gifts, travel, decorations and dinner items; divide dinner costs among guests; and avoid accumulating installments, preferring to pay smaller amounts in cash and using your credit card sparingly for larger purchases.
Procon-SP, a São Paulo consumer rights organization, published guidelines on travel expenses, highlighting the importance of planning all costs and also paying attention to credit card expenses.
“It is important to consider the financial planning for the trip, calculating not only the cost of the trip and accommodation, but also the expenses for meals, transfers, tours and others that will be carried out during the vacation period”, informed the Proconin note.
Summer Project
Procon-SP carried out price surveys for products and services to help consumers during summer vacationso that it is a reference so that people can carry out their research with more information and fit the trip into their budget.
The agency made an estimate of toll costs, bus ticket prices and travel time between 16 cities that are tourist destinations in the state of São Paulo, plus the capital. The content also offers a price comparison of repellents, sunscreens and tanning lotions, which are popular items this season of the year.
The survey also includes average prices for accommodation and food. Values charged by 125 establishments, including hotels and inns, and 195 restaurants in 13 tourist cities in the interior and coast of the state of São Paulo were collected: Águas de Lindoia, Avaré, Brotas, Olímpia, Socorro, Itu, Caraguatatuba, Guarujá, Itanhaém, Peruíbe, Praia Grande, Santos and São Sebastião.
