A survey carried out by Serasa and Banco Pan showed that, despite 92% of workers claiming to know about the Severance Indemnity Fund (FGTS), 33% still do not know under what conditions they can use their own money. Among the possibilities less known by the interviewees are “to take out loans” (64%) and “withdraw the balance after 70 years of age” (58%). A total of 2,132 workers registered under the CLT regime were interviewed between April 12 and 22.
According to the survey, released today (7) in the capital of São Paulo, four out of ten respondents (38%) admit not knowing the value of their FGTS balance, with 16% not even knowing that it is possible to check the balance with Caixa Econômica. Federal. Among those consulted, 40% have up to BRL 1,000 in balance and 51% up to BRL 2,500.
Among those who would like to use the FGTS to make dreams come true, 45% think of using the balance to purchase a property, 33% plan to use the funds to set up their own business, 17% to pay all debts and another 10% said they intend to use the ransom to clear the name. Low interest rates are the main attraction to apply for a loan guaranteed by the FGTS.
In terms of investments, 43% say that the FGTS is terrible, as there are products with better profitability, while 39% consider the FGTS a safe haven for the future. About 33% only intend to withdraw in case of extreme need.
“The research is important to understand the relationship of Brazilians with the FGTS. It is clear that there is a significant portion of people who do not have knowledge of how to use this resource. It is important to clarify all questions for the consumer so that he can take a decision, because this is his money and that could be used to ease his financial life, said Felipe Sharpers, responsible for the Opinion Box Institute, the company responsible for the research.
“Young workers do not have full knowledge about the FGTS, so it is important to be careful to give financial education to those who are entering the job market”, added Sharpers.
