Opinion – Maria Inês Dolci: Use forgotten money to pay off debts

Many people regretted having only a few cents left in their current accounts, after the Central Bank released the consultation of values ​​and redemption requests. If you, on the other hand, are lucky or lucky enough to find more money in these accounts, use the entire amount to write off or pay off debts. Reset, for example, the revolving credit card. And don’t make new avoidable expenses.

Times were already hectic in the economy and national politics, but now the effects of the invasion of Ukraine will spread across the entire planet, worsening the situation in general. This Tuesday (8), the United States suspended imports of Russian oil and gas. This will impact fuel prices, which in turn affect the entire production chain.

Not being in debt, especially with high interest rates, is essential to have balance — not just financially, but psychologically and emotionally. Knowing that the bills will arrive and that there will be no way to pay them is an invitation to insomnia.

I have insisted a lot that it is essential to budget – and, as far as possible, to follow what was planned. There is a very relevant issue in this case: it is not always the big bills that break us, but the sum of the small expenses, which go unnoticed.

Every opportunity that arises for the inflow of resources – as it happens now with those who left money in the account and didn’t even know it –, should be taken advantage of to get away from default, that is, the inability to pay the slips on time. This also applies to the refund of Income Tax, inheritance, sale of property or other assets.

In addition, those who still have financial investments, which are usually the result of many years of savings, should consider withdrawing at least a part to reduce debts. The reason is simple: yields from investments are very low, and interest on debts is very high.

In order not to, in difficult periods like the last few years, we have to change consumption habits. And that also means sometimes giving up products and services we’ve become accustomed to. I am sure that millions of Brazilians, with great sadness, must at least have reduced their consumption of coffee, whose prices rose 50% in 2021.

I also have a keen eye on debt renegotiations, which lead to reduced interest and fines. It is always better to negotiate.

It is obvious that these recommendations are for those who have regular sources of income, through formal or informal work or as micro-entrepreneurs. Those who go out daily in search of a meal, without knowing if they will get it, have to be helped by governments, especially the federal one. There is no way to plan expenses when there is no income.

On this March 8, International Women’s Day, my solidarity continues with all those who suffer from inequality, hunger, lack of opportunities, harassment, violence and femicide. The greatest challenge for all societies is to treat human beings well, with access to food, health, education and housing, and to respect diversity.

Some achievements have already taken place, but we still have to fight hard to improve the conditions of women around the world. We are in this fight together. A kiss!