Where to invest your 13th-month salary in 2025: best options for the short and long term.

Discover Where to invest your 13th-month salary in 2025? This is the central question for millions of Brazilians who receive this year-end benefit.

In a challenging economic climate, using this amount wisely can define your financial health for the coming year.

After all, we're talking about extra money that comes at a time of many expenses, such as parties and January taxes.

However, resisting the temptation of immediate consumption and focusing on building wealth is the most strategic decision you can make.

This comprehensive guide was designed to present the best options for making the most of your 13th-month salary.

We will cover everything from highly liquid investments, ideal for quick-fix goals, to robust assets for those aiming for retirement or financial independence.

Let's analyze the current context, the risk profiles, and the opportunities that stand out at the end of 2025.

In this article, you will find:

• What is the economic outlook for Brazil at the end of 2025?
• Why is investing your 13th-month salary a crucial decision?
• What are the best short-term investments (up to 1 year)?
• What are the best long-term bets (over 5 years)?
• How does fixed income perform with the current Selic rate?
• Is variable income an opportunity or a risk in 2025?
• How to diversify your 13th-month salary intelligently?

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What is the economic outlook for Brazil at the end of 2025?

Understanding the terrain we're treading on is the first step to investing well. The year 2025 ends with a very clear macroeconomic scenario: extremely high interest rates.

The Monetary Policy Committee (Copom) maintained the Selic rate at a historically high level. The most recent projections from the Focus Bulletin, released by the Central Bank, indicate that the basic interest rate should close the year at... 15% per year.

This is the highest level in almost two decades. Inflation, as measured by the IPCA, shows signs of cooling, but is still a cause for concern.

The market projects an accumulated IPCA of 4,55% in 2025, very close to the target ceiling (4,50%).

For investors, these numbers send a direct message. Fixed income becomes the protagonist, offering very attractive nominal returns with security.

Conversely, the opportunity cost for variable income (stocks) becomes extremely high.

+ How to invest in stocks with less than R$500 per month

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Why is investing your 13th-month salary a crucial decision?

Many people see the 13th-month salary only as a relief for end-of-year expenses. However, viewing it as the "first salary" of the following year, intended for investments, completely changes the financial game.

This is the ideal time to take a step forward, whether by paying off expensive debts or starting an emergency fund. The truth is that most people don't have the habit of saving monthly.

The 13th-month salary acts as a one-time, substantial contribution. It allows you to access investments with higher minimum contributions or simply experience the power of compound interest at a faster rate.

Using this resource to buy liabilities (items that lose value) is wasting a great opportunity. Using it to buy assets (items that generate more money) is the secret to building wealth consistently.

What are the best short-term investments (up to 1 year)?

If your goal with the 13th-month salary is short-term, the rule is clear: prioritize security e liquidityYou can't risk losing money if you need it in a few months.

In this scenario of a Selic rate of 15% per year, post-fixed income options are unbeatable. They offer high returns with very low risk, directly tracking the basic interest rate.

Treasury Selic (LFT)

O Selic Treasury It's the safest investment in the country. You lend money to the federal government and receive in return the variation of the Selic rate. It's ideal for an emergency fund.

Its liquidity is daily (D+1). Even with the regressive income tax, the current return easily surpasses inflation and any other low-risk investment.

Daily liquidity CDBs

Certificates of Deposit (CDBs) from large banks or solid digital banks are excellent alternatives. They function similarly to Treasury Selic bonds, but are issued by banks.

Look for CDBs that pay at least... 100% of CDI (which is closely linked to the Selic rate). The big advantage is that they have the protection of the Credit Guarantee Fund (FGC) for amounts up to R$ 250 thousand.

+ CDB or Tesouro Direto: where to invest R$1,000 this year?

DI funds with zero fees

For those seeking absolute practicality, DI Funds are an option. They invest primarily in government bonds linked to the Selic rate. However, it is vital to choose funds with... zero administration fee.

Any fee charged, however small, significantly reduces profitability in a highly competitive environment among brokerage firms. Check the fund's prospectus before investing.

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What are the best long-term bets (over 5 years)?

If you already have your emergency fund in place, the 13th-month salary becomes the seed for long-term projects. Here, the focus shifts from liquidity to... real profitability (above inflation).

A longer time horizon allows you to tolerate some volatility in exchange for higher returns. It's in the long term that the real magic of compound interest happens.

IPCA+ Treasury

The IPCA+ Treasury bond is the perfect government bond for the long term. It pays the investor the inflation rate (IPCA) plus a fixed interest rate (real interest rate).

With this investment, you ensure that your purchasing power will be preserved and you will still have a real gain, no matter what happens with inflation. It's ideal for planning for retirement or your children's college education.

Shares of solid companies (Dividends)

With the Selic rate at 15%, the Stock Exchange (B3) tends to become "cheap". Many excellent, profitable companies with low debt see their share prices fall, as investors migrate to fixed income.

For those thinking long-term, this is an opportunity. Buying stocks in perennial sectors (such as energy, banking, and sanitation) that are good dividend payers can generate a significant return in the future.

Real Estate Investment Funds (FIIs)

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) also suffer in a high-interest rate environment, especially "brick-and-mortar REITs" (owners of shopping malls, offices, and logistics warehouses). Their market prices fall, increasing the risk of financial instability. dividend yield.

Just like with stocks, this could be a strategic time to buy shares in good funds at a discount, aiming for a monthly passive income exempt from income tax.

Investing Abroad (BDRs and ETFs)

Don't put all your eggs in the Brazilian basket. The 2025 scenario shows a projected dollar above R$ 5.40. Global diversification is essential to protect your assets.

You can easily do this through B3 (the Brazilian stock exchange), by buying BDRs (receipts for shares of companies like Apple or Google) or ETFs that track American indices, such as the S&P 500 (SPXI11).

+ Tesouro Direto launches bond aimed at women: learn about Tesouro Educa+ 

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How does fixed income perform with the current Selic rate?

As detailed, fixed income is the star of 2025. The scenario of interest rates at 15% per year means that it is possible to obtain robust returns without having to take on great risks.

Post-fixed income securities (such as Treasury Selic bonds and CDI-linked CDBs) benefit the most. They pay "full" amounts, keeping pace with daily interest rate increases. They are perfect for those who don't want surprises.

Fixed-rate bonds, on the other hand, require more caution. A 2030 Treasury bond may seem attractive, but if the Selic rate rises... more More than expected, you may lose money if you sell before the expiration date.

The recommendation from most experts is clear: by the end of 2025, allocation to post-fixed income and inflation-linked bonds (IPCA+) should dominate the fixed income portfolio.

To learn more about how the Monetary Policy Committee (Copom) makes its decisions regarding the Selic rate, visit the official website of the Monetary Policy Committee. Minutes from the Copom meetings are available on the Central Bank of Brazil's website..

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Is variable income an opportunity or a risk in 2025?

The honest answer is: both. It's a risk for those seeking quick gains. It's an opportunity for those with patience and a long-term focus.

The "opportunity cost" is what defines the game. Why take risks in the stock market when it's possible to earn 15% per year with the safety of Treasury Direct? That's the question that keeps investors away from B3 (Brazilian Stock Exchange).

That's precisely why prices fall. Companies that remain profitable and growing end up being traded at heavily discounted values. It's the classic "buying when there's a bang."

If you use part of your 13th-month salary to buy good stocks or REITs now, the chance of seeing significant appreciation when the interest rate cycle turns (the market projects a Selic rate of 12.25% for 2026) is considerable.

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How to diversify your 13th-month salary intelligently?

Diversification is the only proven strategy for reducing risk without sacrificing potential returns. Don't bet your Christmas bonus on a single thing.

A smart allocation for this extra money in 2025 needs to balance the security of fixed income with long-term opportunities.

The table below suggests a basic breakdown, which should be adapted to your personal risk profile (conservative, moderate, or aggressive).

Investor Profile	Post-fixed income (short term)	Fixed Income Inflation (Long Term)	Variable Income (Stocks/REITs/International Investments)
Conservative	60%	30%	10%
Moderate	40%	30%	30%
Bold	20%	30%	50%

A moderate investor, for example, could use 40% in a daily liquidity CDB (Certificate of Deposit). Another 30% would go to Treasury IPCA+ bonds. The remaining 30% would be divided between an S&P 500 ETF and some dividend-paying stocks.

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Conclusion: Make your 13th-month salary work for you.

The decision to Where to invest your 13th-month salary in 2025? It's less about finding a miracle asset and more about discipline. The high interest rate environment makes the decision to invest much more profitable.

Don't let this resource dissolve into routine expenses. Use it as a tool for building your future.

Whether it's paying off debts, building your emergency fund, or buying long-term assets at a discount.

Take advantage of the favorable conditions in the fixed income market to secure your financial stability. At the same time, set aside a portion for opportunities offered by the variable income market during periods of economic downturn.

By transforming this year-end bonus into a strategic investment, you ensure that 2026 starts off on the right foot, with your money actively working for you.

Financial education is an ongoing process. To delve deeper into how government bonds work, the official website of Tesouro Direto (Brazilian Treasury Direct) It offers educational guides and videos.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What's the first thing to do with the 13th-month salary in 2025?

Before investing, the absolute priority is to pay off expensive debts. If you have credit card or overdraft debt, the interest you pay is much higher than any investment.

Should I invest everything at once or little by little?

Since the 13th-month salary is a one-time payment, ideally the entire amount should be invested at once (a single payment) in the chosen products. This maximizes the time the money will be exposed to compound interest.

With the Selic rate at 15%, is a savings account worthwhile?

No. Savings accounts are still one of the worst investments. With the Selic rate above 8.5%, they yield only 0.5% per month + TR. This is significantly less than the Selic Treasury bond or a 100% CDI CDB.

Is it a good time to buy cash dollars?

Buying physical currency (dollars) is not an investment, as it does not yield interest. If your goal is to protect your assets, it is more efficient to invest in BDRs, international ETFs, or currency funds.