A new survey shows that about 31% of Brazilians have no financial savings at all. Among those who do have savings, a considerable portion have only very limited funds, with 10% able to cover no more than one week of basic expenses.

The data comes from the 9th edition of the Brazilian Investor X-Ray Report published by the Brazilian Association of Financial and Capital Markets (Anbima). The report notes that only 10% of respondents have enough savings to cover one month of expenses, 12% can sustain themselves for one to two months, and very few possess long-term financial resilience — just 3% hold savings sufficient to support their living costs for five years or more.

By income group, the lack of savings is far more acute among low-income households. Of those with no financial buffer, 48% belong to the D and E socioeconomic classes, compared with only 13% in the A and B brackets.

This situation is particularly concerning amid a steady rise in household indebtedness. Data from the Central Bank of Brazil shows that more than 80% of households carry debt, and the share of income dedicated to debt repayments has risen to its highest level since 2005. Without savings, households are significantly more vulnerable in meeting their financial obligations.

By age group, Generation X — those born between 1965 and 1980 — face the greatest savings pressure, with 37% having no reserves at all. They are followed by millennials, born from 1981 to 1996, at 28%.

In terms of investment behavior, online channels have become dominant. 63% of respondents invest through digital platforms, while 32% prefer offline channels. The report projects that Brazil will add around 8.7 million new investors by 2026, bringing the total to 60.6 million, representing 36% of the national population.

At the same time, public understanding of financial products continues to improve. 43% of respondents reported being familiar with savings and investment instruments offered by banks or brokerage firms.

In terms of product preferences, savings accounts, private bonds, stocks, and investment funds are the most popular. Savings accounts rank highest in both awareness and usage, at 22%. Real estate investment has also emerged as one of the fastest-growing categories, signaling a shift in household asset allocation.