Brazil pushes consumer finance education on credit cards and debt

An ex‑bank manager, Andrea Moura, warned Brazilian consumers about the costs of paying only the minimum on credit‑card bills, explaining that unpaid balances move to the high‑interest rotativo system and that installment plans can extend debt. She advised paying the largest affordable amount, comparing total costs, and negotiating directly with banks.

The National Federation of Caixa Employees' Associations (Fenae) released a free guide, “Juros sem economês,” to translate complex economic terms for the public. The booklet explains the impact of the Selic rate, credit terms, and debt‑management strategies, including a chapter on payroll‑linked loans (consignado) and how to avoid over‑indebtedness. Both initiatives aim to improve financial literacy and help families manage household budgets amid Brazil’s 80 % debt‑to‑income ratio.