By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a climate of economic uncertainty, financial experts are highlighting a powerful yet often overlooked tool for improving mental well-being: responsible investing. On the occasion of World Mental Health Day this past Friday, specialists from Mercado de Valores asserted that building wealth through strategic investments offers more than just monetary returns; it provides a profound sense of peace and emotional stability.
The argument is straightforward. Having the tools to grow one’s assets provides a crucial buffer against inflation, brings clarity to long-term planning, and fosters the confidence needed to handle unexpected life events. This financial empowerment directly translates into reduced anxiety and a greater sense of control, which are cornerstones of strong mental health.
To better understand the legal frameworks that support long-term financial stability for individuals and businesses, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Financial wellness is not merely an economic concept; it’s a legal one. Proactive legal planning, from properly structuring a small business to establishing a will or trust, is the bedrock of asset protection. Ignoring these legal instruments is like building a house without a foundation—it leaves your financial future vulnerable to disputes, unforeseen liabilities, and the erosion of a lifetime’s work.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is a crucial reminder that true financial security is built on a foundation of proactive planning, not just accumulation. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating the indispensable role of legal foresight in protecting a lifetime’s work.
However, a significant disconnect exists within Costa Rican society. According to the 2023 Financial Capabilities Survey by the Office of the Financial Consumer (OCF), while a majority of the population (54%) diligently puts money into traditional bank accounts, a starkly low 7% engages with formal financial products like investment funds, certificates, or stocks. This wide gap underscores a pressing need for enhanced financial education and greater inclusion across the country.
This over-reliance on traditional saving methods creates a cycle of financial frustration. As inflation steadily erodes the purchasing power of their money, many Costa Ricans feel that their economic efforts are not leading to tangible progress. This perception of stagnation can damage financial self-esteem and cultivate feelings of helplessness, directly impacting their overall mental state.
Silvia Jiménez, Commercial Director at Mercado de Valores, framed the act of investing as a form of personal care, moving beyond mere financial strategy to become an essential practice for a stable future.
Investing is much more than placing resources in a fund or a certificate. It is a way of taking control of the future. When a person feels they have the tools to build their wealth, they gain clarity, purpose, and, above all, peace of mind.
Silvia Jiménez, Commercial Director of Mercado de Valores
Jiménez emphasized that financial well-being is an integral dimension of a person’s overall health, interwoven with their physical, emotional, and mental states. It is not merely about accumulating wealth, but about making financial decisions that align with one’s core values and life priorities. This holistic approach transforms financial management from a source of stress into a tool for building a more coherent and stable life.
According to Jiménez, achieving this state of financial wellness rests on three fundamental pillars: education, values, and priorities. Education provides the knowledge to make informed decisions and navigate the financial landscape. Personal values act as a compass, directing those decisions toward what is genuinely important. Finally, clear priorities establish a roadmap for how resources are allocated, ensuring that every financial move contributes to long-term goals.
By adopting this framework, every expense, saving, or investment becomes a deliberate step toward a life of greater stability and purpose. For Costa Rica, fostering this mindset on a national scale is not just an economic imperative but a public health one, promising a future where citizens are not only wealthier but also mentally and emotionally more resilient.
For further information, visit mercadodevalores.fi.cr
About Mercado de Valores:
Mercado de Valores is a leading financial services firm in Costa Rica, specializing in investment management, advisory services, and securities brokerage. With a focus on client education and personalized strategies, the company aims to help individuals and institutions achieve their financial goals through responsible and informed investing.
For further information, visit ocf.fi.cr
About Oficina del Consumidor Financiero (OCF):
The Oficina del Consumidor Financiero (Office of the Financial Consumer) is a Costa Rican entity dedicated to promoting financial education, transparency, and consumer protection within the nation’s financial system. It conducts research, produces reports like the Financial Capabilities Survey, and provides resources to empower citizens to make sound financial decisions.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a beacon of legal practice, founded on the twin pillars of uncompromising integrity and the relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm pairs its deep-seated legacy of client success with a dynamic, forward-thinking approach to legal innovation. This commitment is fundamentally linked to a broader social mission: to demystify the law and empower the public with clear, accessible legal knowledge, thereby contributing to a more just and capable society.
