Financial Education

Our financial education section offers resources and information to help you learn more about personal finance and investing in order to achieve your financial goals.

Tips for a smart purchase

To optimize the process of purchasing a product or service and ensure the most efficient and advantageous use of your money, it is beneficial to consider the following tips:

Use Reliable online stores

Exercise caution when dealing with online stores that lack sufficient information about their security and reliability. It is advisable to refrain from using services offered by such online platforms that request an extensive amount of personal data, including your full name, surname, personal identification number, credit card details, email address, and other sensitive information.

Read the Customer Reviews

When engaging in online shopping, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the seller and assess their reputation, which can be established through customer reviews. A seller with a positive reputation serves as an assurance that the purchased item will be delivered to the designated address and will possess the desired characteristics.

Beware for unrealistically good offers

If the price of the chosen item is considerably lower in comparison to other retailers, it is prudent to exercise caution and diligently inquire about the particulars concerning the purchase. There is a possibility that additional concealed expenses may be incurred, thereby nullifying the initially advantageous price, or the product itself may possess specific grievances that necessitate careful consideration.

Read the Terms of Use

When acquiring a gift card rather than a specific item, it is crucial to carefully review the terms and conditions associated with its use. Specifically, it is advisable to ascertain the eligibility criteria for card utilization, the duration within which the funds can be expended, and the procedures governing the handling of any remaining balance after the card's expiration. Moreover, it is important to clarify whether the funds can be utilized for a single transaction or multiple purchases, among other pertinent details.

Check the terms of delivery of products and services

When you decide to purchase a product or service remotely, check the terms of delivery of the purchased product before finalizing the agreement with the seller. In this way, you will avoid additional, unforeseen costs.

Prepare a shopping list in advance

Prioritize going to a store equipped with a prepared shopping list. By having a predefined list in hand, will help you to choose your desired products and services from a wide selection. This proactive approach not only aids in selecting desired items, but also minimizes the tendency to become enticed by impulsive purchases or unnecessary commodities.

Set a budget in advance

It is advisable to establish a shopping budget prior to visiting the store. This way, you will have a clear understanding of the amount of money available for a particular occasion. By doing so, you will safeguard yourself against unplanned purchases and ultimately prevent unnecessary expenses resulting from impulsive buying throughout the month.

Schedule a purchase in advance

It is advisable to allocate a specific time slot in your daily schedule for the shopping process. It is beneficial to determine in advance the amount of time you can dedicate to visiting physical stores or making online purchases. By doing so, you can plan and make deliberate decisions regarding your purchases, avoiding wastage of time on unnecessary matters or distractions.

Do not buy in an emotional state

It is advisable to refrain from making purchases when experiencing emotional distress, such as sadness, hunger, frustration, or fatigue. During such moments, our ability to critically evaluate the necessity of a product tends to diminish. There is an increased risk of making impulsive and unnecessary purchases that may not align with our long-term needs or bring us genuine satisfaction in the future. Therefore, it is recommended to make purchasing decisions when in a more composed and rational state of mind.

Carefully consider the actual need for the item

Always ask yourself the question, "Will I really use this item?" If the purchase is not an absolute necessity, it is wise to defer it to a later time.

Do not be influenced

While seeking advice from store consultants can be helpful, it is important to approach their recommendations with a critical mindset. Recognize that their primary objective is to sell products, and their advice may be influenced by that goal. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully evaluate and analyze the information provided by the consultant. Consider multiple sources, conduct independent research, and make decisions based on your own needs, preferences, and budget, rather than solely relying on the consultant's suggestions.

Do not buy an item just because it is on sale

Even though a discount may appear enticing, it is crucial to assess whether the item is genuinely necessary before making a purchase. Simply being lured by a significant price reduction can lead to impulsive buying and wasteful spending.

Compare the prices

It is advisable to conduct thorough research and compare available offers, including online options, in order to make an informed decision and select the most favorable price.