Educação financeira e o seu papel na prevenção do endividamento de crédito

Abstract

Household indebtedness and default in Brazil constitute structural phenomena with direct impacts on national economic stability. In this context, financial education is presented as a strategic tool for risk mitigation and the promotion of consumer autonomy. The general objective of this study was to analyze the models and strategies of financial education proposed by financial institutions in the context of reducing indebtedness and default. Methodologically, the research was characterized as qualitative and descriptive, structured in three complementary stages: initially, a theoretical foundation on the themes of financial education and credit was developed; in the second stage, a documentary survey was conducted of financial education initiatives available on the websites of selected financial institutions — Banco do Brasil, Caixa Econômica Federal, Santander, Sicredi, Sicoob, and Cresol; finally, the role of these initiatives was examined within institutions operating in the municipality of Chapecó, Santa Catarina, through the analysis of data obtained from a questionnaire. The results indicate that institutions predominantly employ digital tools of an informational and institutional nature, focused on brand positioning. It was identified that, although these initiatives aim for large-scale reach, there is a gap in the practical integration of such content with credit granting processes. It is concluded that the effectiveness of financial education as a tool for preventing default depends on a solid educational foundation and on institutional actions that go beyond the theoretical sphere, establishing themselves as an ethical commitment to the citizen’s socioeconomic sustainability.