Recommendations for the first half of 2025: Here's how to ensure financial peace of mind.
The Ábacos Foundation, through a press release issued on June 11, 2025, presents a clear guide with four effective steps to encourage the conscious use of the mid-year bonus. This social benefit represents significant financial support for millions of Colombian households.
In the statement, he calls for good financial management and invites citizens to view the mid-year bonus as a crucial resource. It provides additional income, which represents an opportunity to breathe life into household finances, achieve postponed goals, and build financial peace of mind.
Official statement from the Ábacos Foundation Photo: The Ábacos Foundation
According to the executive director of the Ábacos Foundation, the conscious use of the bonus does not represent a deprivation of money, but rather a way to plan a clear allocation of resources. Financial education is necessary to guarantee people's financial protection and a tool to prevent potential unexpected events.
The mandatory social security benefit, which represents additional income for many families, is stipulated in Article 306 of the Colombian Labor Code (CST). However, this right only applies to those with a current employment contract, whether fixed-term or indefinite.
The law requires the employer to pay the premium. Photo: iStock
According to the provisions of Decree Law 2663 of August 5, 1950, of the Substantive Labor Code, in article 22, an employment contract is defined as a document in which one person agrees to provide a service to another in exchange for remuneration.
Recommendations for using the bonus Save to build a financial cushion A recommended financial strategy is to allocate 20% of the bonus received to short-term investments in savings funds with interest rates. The savings period is estimated to be between three and six months. This method allows for unexpected expenses during periods when available resources are limited.
Investing to earn extra money One of the most common alternatives offered by banks is Term Deposit Certificates (TDCs), which allow investment for a pre-agreed period. These instruments estimate the return on earnings through interest payments with a low level of risk, making them a safe option.
Allocating a portion of your bonus to pension funds generates cash growth and provides access to tax benefits. Investing in a voluntary pension is a smart way to save and provides financial peace of mind for the future.
Recognition of premium payments in Colombia is established by law. Photo: Devasahayam Chandra Dhas
Establishing the destination of the money in detail is key to defining priorities before spending the bonus.
- Pay outstanding obligations : pay for necessary debts or expenses.
- Prepare a budget: establish a savings, investment, and personal spending budget.
- Prioritize expenses : make a list of what you need and pay for purchases in a single installment if possible.
During paydays, citizens become targets for criminals who commit various illegal acts, such as theft and fraud. Therefore, it is recommended to act with caution to avoid becoming a victim of these crimes and protect both your money and your personal safety.
- Prefer electronic transactions instead of withdrawing large sums of cash.
- Withdraw money with police escort or trusted family and friends.
- Check the condition of ATMs to ensure they are free of physical or electronic alterations that could facilitate theft.
- Distribute the money in different places and avoid, at all costs, disclosing the payment of the premium.
Photo: EL TIEMPO
LATEST NEWS EDITORIAL
eltiempo
%3Aformat(jpg)%3Aquality(99)%3Awatermark(f.elconfidencial.com%2Ffile%2Fbae%2Feea%2Ffde%2Fbaeeeafde1b3229287b0c008f7602058.png%2C0%2C275%2C1)%2Ff.elconfidencial.com%2Foriginal%2F1d2%2F5d8%2Fb6a%2F1d25d8b6a942840cfb0d53deba5c3b64.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
