7 out of 10 Brazilians see an increase in spending, points out Serasa

Seven out of ten Brazilians noticed an increase in day-to-day expenses in the last 12 months, according to a survey by Serasa. In a scenario of pressure on the family budget and still high interest rates, only 19% of the population claim to be able to manage payments and expenses without difficulties.

High costs have led some consumers to turn to credit as a tool for financial reorganization. Data from Banco Bari show that 60% of customers who took out credit in the last two years used the resources mainly to pay off debts.

According to Serasa research, spending on supermarkets, recurring bills and housing already represents 57% of the budget of Brazilian families. The average monthly cost reached R$3,520, with the South and Southeast regions recording the highest values in the country.

"What we observe are changes in the daily financial lives of Brazilians that require new attitudes. In addition to the increase in the cost of living perceived by a considerable portion of the population, we also see changes in the use of credit, commonly used as an extension of income", says Aline Vieira, Serasa specialist in financial education.

"It is precisely in this scenario that financial education appears, once again, to be an important pillar for the well-being of Brazilian families", he explains.

The bank's data also indicates that April, July and October concentrated the highest volumes of credit approval in 2024 and 2025.

According to the institution, the months coincide with periods of greater financial planning, budget review and expectation of extra income.

This behavior reflects a change in the way Brazilians use credit, according to Lucas Ortega, commercial leader and specialist in property-secured loans at Bari.

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"Consumers are more attentive to credit conditions and seek solutions with balanced installments and longer terms. Credit is no longer used only for immediate consumption and has started to play a strategic role in the financial reorganization of families", he says.

The survey also shows that the resource is not only used for debt renegotiation. Among those interviewed, 16% took out credit for investments and 7% for construction or renovation, indicating a more planned use of assets and financing lines.

"When we observe the growing weight of essential expenses such as housing and food, it is clear that many people turn to structured credit to regain financial predictability and reorganize their budget in a sustainable way", concludes Ortega.

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Source: CNN