The beginning of a new year invites reflection, organization, and meaningful change. It’s the perfect moment to review your financial journey, assess past decisions, and chart a clearer, more confident path forward.
January is particularly strategic for three simple reasons:
• Many households have recently received their Christmas bonus and, in some cases, their vacation bonus, which allows them to pay off debt or boost their cash flow;
• No new debt has yet accumulated in the year that is now beginning;
• You have 12 whole months ahead of you to implement healthier and more consistent financial habits.
In this new chapter of Financial Education, Caixa walks alongside you—offering knowledge, tools, and practical solutions to help make 2026 a year of greater balance, security, and financial peace of mind.
Assess your financial health – where do you stand?
Before you plan where you’re going, you need a clear picture of where you are. Take time to gather and organize all the information about your personal finances.
• List all your monthly income. Include your salary, rent, side jobs, or any other source of income. Be realistic and only count what you receive regularly.
• Record all fixed expenses. Water, electricity, rent, loan payments, internet, insurance, school fees. These expenses are repeated monthly and have similar values.
• Review your variable expenses. Check your bank statements from the last three months via Caixanet or Caixanet Mobile. Food, transport, leisure, clothing—where does your money actually go? Many Cape Verdeans are surprised to discover how small daily expenses add up to significant amounts over time.
• Identify all your debts. List credits, loans, or other financial obligations, indicating the amount owed, the interest rate, and the monthly payment.
This diagnosis is essential. You cannot improve what you do not measure.
Set realistic financial goals for 2026
Dreaming is important, but vague goals rarely turn into results. “Save more” or “spend less” are intentions, not plans. For 2026, set clear, measurable goals with specific timelines so you can actually achieve them.
Examples:
• Short-term goals (up to 3 months): Build an initial emergency fund of 50,000 escudos, clear a specific debt, or cut unnecessary expenses by 20%. Make use of the frequent transfers feature on Caixanet or Caixanet Mobile to stay consistent.
• Medium-term goals (3 to 12 months): Save the equivalent of three months’ living expenses, plan a family trip, or purchase an essential item. If extra support is needed, explore Caixa’s Personal Loan options.
• Long-term goals (beyond 2026): Own a home, secure your children’s higher education, prepare for retirement, or launch a business. Discover Caixa’s range of credit solutions designed to help you achieve these milestones
Write your goals down, place them somewhere visible, and share them with your family. Goals that are written and shared are far more likely to become reality.
