The financial educator gives advice to start the period on the right foot
New year, new life? Or would it be: new year, new expenses? Every beginning of the year there is that moment of worry about the new bills that are arriving. And they have a name: IPVA, IPTU, school re-enrolment and other expenses that usually appear, such as price increases for school supplies and adjustments to daycare, school or university fees. Financial educator and banking consultant, Mila Gaudêncio, explains that these expenses can increase financial anxiety and cause frustration in the first month of the year.
“January is usually a period of self-improvement, even more so with the pressure of creating personal goals, comparison with others and expenses that go beyond expectations,” comments Will’s consultant.
And when the bank balance doesn’t help, this dissatisfaction can end up increasing and leading to impulsive decisions. Considering that 7 out of 10 Brazilians do not use positive words to describe their current financial life, according to the Financial Dysmorphia study by Will bank, starting 2025 with greater awareness about finances can help, not only to face the surprises of January, but also to guide future financial choices.
This is why Mila Gaudêncio highlights the main tips for starting the year on the right foot in terms of money. Watch the video.
Recognize and focus on your journey
The first step is to understand that every financial journey is unique, as are the challenges faced. Avoiding comparisons helps you focus on your path, reducing anxiety.
For Mila, goals are an example of this: “we must define our goals based on our reality and our desires. After all, dreaming other people’s dreams can end up becoming disappointing. If people say the grass is greener on the other side, it’s time to forget that and just look at your own backyard.”
Analyze possibilities and set priorities
Understanding the best order to pay your bills helps you avoid additional fees. It is therefore worth asking yourself: which invoice needs to be paid now or, if so, which debt can be renegotiated to facilitate cash flow?
Anxiety makes many people prefer to pay everything in cash to “solve the problem quickly.” “This choice may not be the best one if it means depleting your financial reserves and having no security for unexpected events. In this case, installments may be a more suitable alternative,” he explains.
If well evaluated, the loan is one way
The Financial Dysmorphia study also shows that 60% of people would like to use the credit they receive, but avoid it for fear of not being able to pay. Mila underlines that the insecurity is understandable, however, “if planned, studied and included in your budget, the loan can be an ally when dealing with the accumulation of debts at the beginning of the year. It is not worth forgetting to consider the installments as a fixed invoice in the months in which they will be charged”.
To find out if a loan is worth taking out, it’s worth doing research and comparing rates and terms. “If you’re maxed out on your credit card or about to overdraft to pay your January bills, a loan may be a cheaper option,” he comments.
But how can we anticipate next New Year’s Eve?
Turning these large expenses into monthly goals is an effective way to avoid being overwhelmed at the start of the new year. “If the car’s IPVA costs R$1,200, you can try to save R$100 a month. It is not a question of paying in instalments, but of separating this amount during the year to anticipate the expenditure already planned”, reinforces the consultant.
This way, start-of-year expenses stop being a nightmare and become part of your financial routine. Managing money is a process, and every small action today can bring greater security and peace of mind for the future.
inspires transformation in the world of work, in business, in society. Compasso, a content and connection agency, is born.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
