Costa Ricans live in debt. Figures provided by the government on Wednesday show that, in the last five years, the financial obligations of the Costa Ricans have increased by 101%, reaching approximately ₡1.2 billion.
As a result, this Wednesday the Executive Power announced a plan to mitigate the situation that distresses thousands of Costa Rican families through a national strategy of financial education.
The plan, which will be developed jointly with the private sector, is led by the office of Vice President Epsy Campbell, as part of her duties after being forced to leave the Foreign Ministry. The plan was declared as public interest by President Carlos Alvarado.
It proposes to train on the importance of saving, the management of personal finances and the family budget. Also, educate about the correct use of financial tools such as credit cards, loans and purchases in commercial houses, among others.
The first actions will be aimed at the most indebted populations: women, young people, public officials and micro and small entrepreneurs.
In the last five years, the circulation of credit cards increased by 75%, for a total of 2.6 million plastic cards, according to figures from the Ministry of Economy.