Money sitting in the bank: how to make it work for you

You have money sitting in the bank and still believe that this is synonymous with security? This perception, quite common in Brazil, no longer holds true in 2025.

The false sense of security

Many still view real estate as a positive thing. After all, it's there, available, readily available. However, in the current scenario, this choice actually represents a real loss.

With accumulated inflation of 4.23% in the last 12 months (IBGE, Jun/2025), each idle real depreciates month after month.

This erosion of purchasing power is almost imperceptible on a day-to-day basis, but added up over the course of a year, it becomes significant.

It's like filling up a car with a hole in the tank. It seems like the fuel is there, but it's leaking out, little by little.

Furthermore, many people confuse liquidity with profit. Having easy access to funds doesn't mean they're earning a profit.

On the contrary, keep money sitting in the bank can be the biggest obstacle to your financial freedom.

Increase your knowledge by reading our content: How to Avoid the Fashion Investor Trap

Time is the best ally — or enemy

Have you ever wondered how ordinary people build wealth over the years without large inheritances or astronomical salaries?

The answer lies in compound interest. The difference between starting today or putting it off for another year is much more significant than it seems.

Imagine investing R$ 500 per month for 10 years, with an average annual return of R10%. You'd accumulate approximately R$ 100,000, of which R$ 40,000 would be income alone.

Now imagine if that amount had remained stagnant—at best, in savings, with a negative real yield.

The bad news? Savings currently yield around 6.17% per year, according to the Central Bank (July 2025), while the IPCA (Interest Rate Index) continues to rise.

In other words, anyone who leaves valuables there is losing money — even if the balance on the statement increases slightly.

Add more value to your reading by checking out: Difference Between Selic Rate and CDI: Understand It Simply

Where do I start to make my money work?

You don't need to be an expert or have a lot of money to get started. The first step is to change your mindset. Investing isn't about immediate wealth—it's about building, protecting, and creating future possibilities.

The market today offers alternatives that even suit those who have R$ 30 available.

For example, Tesouro Direto allows small investments in government bonds with very low risk and good profitability.

THE Selic Treasury, in particular, is an excellent gateway for those who want to daily liquidity and higher income than savings.

Other options such as CDBs from mid-sized banks, fixed-income funds, and tax-exempt LCIs/LCAs may also offer more attractive returns.

Some of these investments yield up to 110% of the CDI, as is the case with daily liquidity CDBs offered by fintechs regulated by the Central Bank.

Investment Option	Average Income (Jul/2025)	Liquidity	Risk
Selic Treasury	10,50% per year	Daily	Very low
CDB 110% CDI	11,37% per year	Daily or salary	Low
LCIs/LCAs	9% to 11% per year (IR exempt)	Maturity	Low
Fixed Income Funds	10% to 12% per year	Variable	Low to medium

These applications offer more than just returns: they mean autonomy, long-term vision, and financial intelligence.

The burden of inaction: when comfort becomes a cost

Sometimes, the fear of making mistakes paralyzes us. And this comes at a cost. A survey conducted by Anbima in partnership with Datafolha revealed that 761% of Brazilians still keep money exclusively in savings accounts or at home.

Therefore, this means millions of reais sitting idle, losing value over time.

This behavior, inherited from past generations, no longer reflects the country's economic reality.

In a scenario of high interest rates and fluctuating inflation, every real needs to have a purpose: whether it's yield, protection, or generating passive income.

It's like leaving a brand new bike in the garage because you're afraid to ride it. Meanwhile, you keep walking, getting more tired, going slower—out of sheer resistance to starting.

Money in motion: the role of financial education

The good news is that it's never been easier to get information. Platforms like Nubank – financial education blog or the B3 website offer accessible and reliable content for those who want to learn the basics — or go deeper.

Investing is like learning a new language. At first, you stumble, confuse concepts, and feel insecure.

But over time, everything becomes more fluid. The important thing is not to stop. Each step forward brings more clarity and less fear.

Why Letting Money Work for You Is a Smart Decision

Have you ever noticed that the most financially secure people aren't necessarily the ones who earn the most? The secret lies in how they use their earnings.

They make money an ally, not a burden.

Passive income, for example, is a concept that has been gaining traction in Brazil. It involves generating recurring earnings without the need for active effort.

Real estate funds, dividend-paying stocks, and even peer-to-peer lending platforms are possible avenues.

This allows you to continue producing freely, without relying solely on the time you dedicate to work.

And it all starts with a decision: take the money sitting in the bank and give it a function.

Mindset: What's Really Holding You Back From Financial Growth

More than a lack of information, what still holds many people back is their mindset. The fear of losing outweighs the desire to grow. But what if the biggest risk is precisely doing nothing?

Financial stagnation isn't solved by luck. It's transformed by knowledge, habit, and consistency.

No one needs to become an expert very quickly — but everyone can start, even if slowly.

Who still believes that money sitting in the bank It's a form of protection; in fact, it's postponing dreams, projects, and freedom. Investing is a choice of courage and vision.

The transformation has already begun: what about you?

In April 2025, the number of individual investors on B3 reached 6.8 million — according to official data from the Brazilian stock exchange.

This shows that more and more Brazilians are breaking with old paradigms and facing the future with protagonism.

You don't need to wait for major events to get started; just take a first step. It could be R$1,400,000 invested in Tesouro Direto.

You can also understand what a fixed-income fund is, or you can follow a reliable financial channel. The journey begins now.

THE financial freedom is built daily—not by having a lot, but by making the best of what you have.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I start investing with little money?
Yes! With just R$ 30, you can invest in Tesouro Direto. There are several affordable and secure options for beginners.

2. Is it safe to invest online?
Yes, as long as you use platforms authorized by the Central Bank and the CVM. Brokers like XP, NuInvest, Rico, and Inter offer security and support for beginners.

3. What is the best investment for those who still use savings?
The Treasury Selic bond is usually the best alternative: it offers superior yield, daily liquidity, and very low risk. It's ideal for safely withdrawing from savings.

4. What is CDI and why does it matter?
The CDI rate is used as a benchmark for many fixed-income investments. Products that yield 100% or more of the CDI are generally more advantageous than savings accounts.

5. How to avoid falling for scams when investing?
Always check whether the institution is authorized by the CVM and the Central Bank. Be wary of promises of quick or guaranteed profits. Information and caution are your best protections.

So, if you've made it this far, it's because you're ready to change your relationship with money.

So don't put it off any longer: take your money sitting in the bank from your comfort zone and start building a more prosperous future today.

Have questions or want to share your experience? Comment below!

Economy

Marcos Alves

July 14, 2025