Changes in personal financial behavior amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil

The study aims to identify changes in personal financial behavior in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from 796 participants of the Extension Project ‘Financial Education in Times of COVID-19’, between April/2020 and February/2021, were analyzed. It is characterized as qualitative, quantitative, and descriptive research with a survey. The results indicate that 66% of respondents are women, 47% are married, 54% are between 25 and 44 years old, and 32% are financiers. Regarding financial behavior during the pandemic, 52% of the participants make a shopping list to go to the supermarket and search for cheaper brands, and 56% noticed an increase in expenses. Respondents changed their behavior and expanded their control over finances, starting to reflect more when buying. The research contributes, highlighting the importance of education and the use of money in facing financial crises. It enriches the literature regarding education and financial behavior in times of pandemic