Expert warns of the need for financial re-education

Last Thursday, the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) released a survey showing the lowest unemployment rate in Brazil, at 5.8%.

In the Federal District, the unemployment rate in the first quarter of 2025 is 9.1%.

The good employability in the DF, however, hides another problem. A survey by Serasa shows that indebtedness remains high. Data shows that 61.01% of the population of the DF is in active debt.

In an interview with Correio da Manhã, the president of the National Association of Credit Bureaus (ANBC), Elias Sfeir, says that the situation is a wake-up call and indicates the importance of integrated strategies to strengthen the financial health of the population of the Federal District.

“The current scenario shows that, although unemployment has fallen, many citizens still face difficulties in reoganizing their financial commitments. The local economy has very particular characteristics.

The Federal District has one of the highest costs of living in the country and a high concentration of civil servants, which has a direct impact on consumer behavior and credit,” he says.

The expert also points out that, with inflation, it is common for the population to resort to credit and debt to the public authorities.

“The high rate of outstanding debt is a direct reflection of this context. It often involves local taxes, fees and other commitments that end up being postponed,” he explains.

“The good news is that there are ways to reverse this situation: more accessible renegotiation programs and financial guidance actions,” he points out.