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The end of the year is traditionally marked by celebrations, exchanging gifts and increased consumption. But it is also a decisive period to reflect on financial habits and plan the future. Promotions, payment facilities and the emotional appeal of commemorative dates can lead to hasty financial decisions, which end up compromising the budget in subsequent months. With this in mind, Sicredi reinforces the importance of conscious consumption and financial planning as important guidelines to start 2026 in a more balanced and safe way.
A survey released by the Inter-Union Department of Statistics and Socioeconomic Studies (Dieese) estimates the injection of around R$6.7 billion into the economy of Mato Grosso resulting from the payment of the 13th salary to formal workers in the State. On the other hand, data from the National Confederation of Store Managers (CNDL) and SPC Brasil indicate that more than 68.6 million Brazilians are in arrears, equivalent to four in every 10 negative adults. The number highlights the challenge faced by a large part of the population in managing their finances, in a scenario of high interest rates. And the end-of-year bonus becomes an opportunity to change the situation.
For Sicredi’s Sustainability and Cooperativism consultant, Eber Ostemberg, the main risk during this period is impulse buying, generally stimulated by promotional campaigns and the emotional appeal of commemorative dates. “Expressions such as ‘buy now and pay later’, ‘last units’ or ‘unmissable discount’ activate emotional triggers and give the feeling of advantage, when in practice, the consumer is often making a commitment that may not fit into the budget”, he states.
According to him, conscious consumption does not mean stopping buying, but buying more judiciously. “It is important to evaluate the total value of the purchase, check if there is built-in interest, compare prices and reflect on whether that acquisition is really necessary at that moment. Small decisions repeated over time can have big impacts on the budget”, he reinforces.
Another point of attention is the use of your 13th salary or credit card without planning. “When these resources are used without discretion, a warning signal goes off. The consequence can be starting the year in debt and, in many cases, needing to resort to new loans to balance the accounts”, warns Ostemberg.
Maintaining planning throughout the year requires habit and discipline, without requiring complex tools. Simple expense records, spreadsheets or apps help track income and expenses and allow for continuous adjustments, including for those with variable income.
Dialogue within the home is essential. Including children and teenagers in conversations about money helps to create more conscious consumers in the future. “Financial education is also education for life. When the family shares goals and decisions, consumption becomes more responsible and cooperative”, highlights Ostemberg.
Financial planning for a fresh start
For those who want to start 2026 more organized, financial planning is the safest way. Sicredi Business Consultant, Marianne Moraes, highlights that the first step is to understand your own consumption behavior. “Before using any spreadsheet or application, you need to understand how much you earn, how you spend it and which expenses really make sense. Financial organization is not a restriction, it is alignment between money and life goals”, he defines.
She advises that some goals should be a priority next year, such as creating an emergency fund, reducing high-interest debt and adapting your lifestyle to available income. “Only after this balance is it possible to move forward more consistently with long-term investments and projects”, he advises.
In a scenario of high interest rates, with the Selic rate at 15% per year, purchases in installments and financing tend to become more expensive, while those who can save money find good opportunities in fixed income investments. Therefore, financial planning, analysis of the economic scenario and some adjustments to habits can help more people get their finances in order and take advantage of it. “Planning allows you to consume better today and make better use of opportunities tomorrow”, adds Marianne.
Incentive – Committed to improving the quality of life of its members and local development, Sicredi develops programs, one of which focuses on financial education. The Cooperation Program at Ponta do Lápis brings information, knowledge and good financial practices to different audiences, from children, teenagers, adults, to families and micro-entrepreneurs, with content and methodologies adapted to each reality.
The proposal is to combine financial education and behavior, recognizing that decisions about money involve emotion, habits and everyday choices. Therefore, the program uses its own methodology, inspired by behavioral economics, which encourages awareness, financial organization and the construction of sustainable habits over time.
With in-person and digital actions, free courses, educational materials and initiatives such as the partnership with Turma da Mônica, Sicredi expands access to financial education from childhood, creating more aware consumers today and more prepared adults in the future. By sharing knowledge and encouraging responsible choices, the cooperative reaffirms its purpose of cooperating for a sustainable financial life and a more prosperous society. For more information
About Sicredi
Sicredi is a cooperative financial institution committed to the growth of its members and the development of the regions where it operates. It has a management model that values the participation of more than 9.5 million associates, who play the role of business owners. With more than 3 thousand branches, Sicredi is physically present in all Brazilian states and the Federal District, providing a full range of financial and non-financial solutions.
In the states of Mato Grosso, Pará, Rondônia, Acre, Amazonas, Amapá, Roraima, and some cities in Goiás, Sicredi is present in 262 municipalities and has 358 branches, serving more than 1.6 million members.
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