Desenrola Fies: What Good Payers Need to Know

What happened?

According to G1, the new phase of the Desenrola Brasil program, aimed at renegotiating students' debts, has caused discontent among those who keep up with their Fies payments. While defaulters can obtain discounts of up to 99% and arrange to pay their debts in installments, good payers only receive a 12% discount for settling their debts upfront. This has sparked a movement, led by students like Nathã Balbinot and Lucas Garcia, demanding Congress treat them equally for honoring their financial commitments.

Why does this matter?

This debate over equal treatment in the Fies reflects a broader theme of financial justice. Students who have kept up with their debts feel wronged seeing that those who fell behind are offered far better terms. The Fies program, which finances higher education, plays a critical role in access to education in Brazil, and this disparity in benefits can affect students' behaviors regarding debt repayment. Pressure for good payers to receive equivalent conditions may lead to changes in public policies, vital for social justice.

Practical impact on your wallet

If you are a good Fies payer, it's understandable that the current situation causes frustration. Imagine paying R$ 767 monthly while a peer who delayed payments can renegotiate their debt and receive substantial discounts. This may affect your motivation to continue meeting your financial obligations. For many, the Fies installment can consume a significant portion of their monthly budget, delaying plans like purchasing a home or investing in other projects.

• If you pay R$ 2,800 per month, like Flávia, this takes up a significant part of your income, making it hard to save for other goals.
• If the proposal from good payers is accepted, you may have the chance to renegotiate your debts under better terms in the future.

What to do?

Here are some actions you can take:

• Stay informed: Keep track of discussions in Congress regarding PL 1.306/2024 and other proposals seeking equal treatment.
• Plan your finances: Include your Fies payments in your monthly budget, following the 50/30/20 method — 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings and debt repayment.
• Consider alternatives: If the burden of Fies is too heavy, evaluate other options, such as the Fies Empreendedor, which offers low-interest lines of credit, but do this cautiously.

Connection with financial organization

This situation highlights the importance of good financial organization. Using the 50/30/20 method can help you balance your needs with debt repayment. ADXIS can be a useful tool to manage these payments and understand where you might cut expenses. The push for equal treatment in Fies is an opportunity to reflect on how we handle our finances and the importance of honoring our commitments, even when others receive more favorable conditions.