Brazil personal finance: debt trends, ADHD impacts, and estate planning

Various reports highlight the complexities of personal and family financial management in Brazil. Data from the National Confederation of Trade in Goods, Services and Tourism (CNC) indicates that 81.6% of Brazilian families were in debt as of May 2026, with credit cards being the primary source of indebtedness for 84.6% of those affected.

Psychological factors are also being examined, specifically how Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can impact financial stability. Research suggests that adults with ADHD symptoms may experience higher rates of impulsive buying and a tendency to delay financial decisions due to challenges with impulse control and emotional regulation.

On a structural level, there is an increasing emphasis on long-term planning. This includes family financial planning to manage shared incomes and estate planning to protect assets and prevent family conflicts. Notably, the Colégio Notarial do Brasil reported a 59% increase in public deeds for real estate donations between 2020 and 2025, reflecting a growing trend in proactive asset management.