Peruvian workers keep food spending top priority as mid-year bonus arrives

A recent Edenred survey of more than 1,600 Peruvian employees found that 80.3% would not reduce their food expenses even if prices rose, making food the most protected budget item. Respondents allocate over 30% of their monthly spending to food, with 81.8% regularly using a dedicated food card to stretch resources. By contrast, tourism, clothing, restaurant meals and technology are seen as more expendable.

Financial advisers in Peru are urging workers to treat the untaxed mid‑year "gratificación"—which arrives without AFP or EsSalud deductions—as part of a broader capital pool that also includes CTS and savings. They outline five steps: sum all yearly incomes, set a concrete financial goal, consider investment‑linked life‑insurance products, invest in high‑impact training, and pay down high‑interest debt before allocating the bonus.