Conscious use of the 13th can help achieve financial goals, whether building an emergency reserve, paying off existing debt, or starting an investment portfolio. Learn how to use it well.
At the end of each year, many Brazilian workers receive their thirteenth salary, a benefit guaranteed by law and representing a great opportunity to organize their finances. This additional amount is usually eagerly awaited, and when it arrives it causes a lot of doubts about the best destination to get the money. In light of this scenario, analyzing the available investment alternatives can be an important step towards using the thirteenth alternative efficiently.
Conscious use of the 13th can help achieve financial goals, whether building an emergency reserve, paying off existing debt, or starting an investment portfolio. The decision on where to use this resource must take into account the investor’s profile, level of acceptable risk and short, medium and long-term financial objectives. Therefore, avoiding impulsive spending and planning investment are recommended positions until the benefit yields positive results.
How do you choose the best investment for your thirteenth salary?
Before you point your thirteenth child toward some type of investment, it’s important to evaluate your personal and financial needs. For those who don’t have an emergency reserve yet, this may be the first focus. The reserve generally corresponds to an amount capable of covering three to six months of basic expenses and should be invested in highly liquid, low-risk products.
When you have high-interest debt, such as a revolving credit card or overdraft, paying it off can be more beneficial than investing. The reason is that the interest on these debts is usually higher than the return on conservative investments. On the other hand, those who are on top of their bills can consider diversifying their investments according to their personal goals, such as purchasing a property or retiring.
What are the most suitable options for investing your thirteenth salary?
In the Brazilian financial market, there are various options to suit different files and deadlines. Some of the main alternatives for investing your 13th paycheck include:
- Savings: The traditional alternative offers a low return, but provides instant liquidity and security.
- CDB (Certificate of Bank Deposit): They are accessible and can yield higher returns than savings, especially at medium-sized banks.
- Direct Treasury: The federal government’s program with fixed-income securities, such as Tesouro Selic, is ideal for those looking for safety and ease of redemption.
- Investment funds: It combines several assets and allows application according to the investor’s risk profile.
- Variable income: Real estate stocks and funds offer greater return potential, but require a willingness to deal with volatility and longer periods.
It is recommended to check details such as grace period, liquidity, taxes and fees before deciding on any financial product. Many banks and brokers offer simulators that can help calculate the approximate return depending on the amount available and time of investment.
Is it worth investing your thirteenth salary even if you have little money?
The question is often asked: Is investing worth it only for high net worth or large investors? The answer is that there are currently several options for those who want to start with smaller amounts. Digital platforms, banks and fintech companies have democratized access to investments, allowing orders to be placed from nominal values, such as R$1.00 or R$30.00.
Some of the advantages of starting early are that you develop an investing habit and the potential for returns to magnify over time, due to compound interest. Moreover, investing small amounts regularly can contribute to building stronger assets in the future.
How to avoid mistakes when investing your thirteenth salary?
To use XIII effectively, some precautions are necessary:
- Avoid applying everything in one place: Diversification protects against risk and increases the potential for return.
- Do not follow advice without checking its source: Seeking information from trusted sources and expert consultants can make a difference.
- Be clear about goals: Investing with a focus on clear goals makes better decisions.
- Pay attention to duties and taxes: Analysis of the costs involved avoids surprises in the final income.
Planning and information are essential to make the most of the thirteenth sum received and ensure that this sum brings real benefits over time. With attention and discipline, it is possible to turn an additional annual sum into an important step toward greater financial stability.
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