By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – A significant gap in financial literacy is exposing Costa Ricans to heightened financial stress, with new data revealing that while a majority of the population saves, very few are taking the crucial step to invest. According to the 2023 Financial Capabilities Survey from the Office of the Financial Consumer (OCF), 54% of Costa Ricans maintain savings in bank accounts, yet a mere 7% participate in formal financial products like investment funds, certificates, or stocks. This disparity is not just a financial concern but a growing mental health issue, as experts point to a direct link between financial stagnation and increased anxiety.
As the nation approaches World Mental Health Day on October 10, financial leaders are highlighting the profound connection between responsible investing and overall well-being. By relying solely on traditional savings, many find their money losing value against inflation, creating a sense of economic futility. This perception that hard work is not translating into tangible progress can erode financial self-esteem, leading to frustration and negatively impacting mental health.
To delve into the legal framework surrounding personal finance and asset protection, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who shared his professional insights on the matter.
Financial wellness extends beyond mere savings and investments; it requires a robust legal foundation. In Costa Rica, this means proactively structuring your assets through instruments like trusts or corporations to shield them from unforeseen liabilities. Furthermore, clear estate planning is not a matter for retirement—it is an essential component of present financial health, ensuring your legacy is protected and your directives are legally binding.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight is a crucial reminder that true financial wellness involves not only accumulating wealth but also building a legal fortress around it. This proactive approach to asset protection and estate planning transforms abstract financial goals into a secure, tangible legacy. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective with our readers.
Financial experts argue that shifting the public mindset from simply saving to actively investing is a form of proactive self-care. It empowers individuals to take charge of their economic future, providing a powerful antidote to the helplessness that often accompanies financial uncertainty. This proactive stance can significantly reduce stress related to money.
Silvia Jiménez, Commercial Director at Mercado de Valores, emphasizes that investing transcends mere financial transactions, positioning it as a fundamental act of personal empowerment.
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
Financial wellness is a critical dimension of a person’s overall health, interwoven with physical, emotional, and mental states. It is not defined by wealth alone but by the ability to align financial decisions with personal values and long-term goals. Every financial choice represents a negotiation between present desires and future security, and achieving harmony between the two is a cornerstone of a stable life.
Jiménez further explained how conscious financial planning directly fosters mental tranquility, reducing the anxiety that often stems from an uncertain future.
A calm mind is supported by conscious financial decisions. Investing connects the present with the future, reduces anxiety, and allows for the construction of a more stable and free life. Financial well-being is a daily practice that is reflected in greater confidence and a better quality of life for individuals and their families.
Silvia Jiménez, Commercial Director of Mercado de Valores
To build this resilience, Jiménez outlines three essential pillars: education, values, and priorities. Financial education provides the knowledge to make informed decisions. Personal values guide those decisions toward what is genuinely important. And clear priorities establish a roadmap for allocating resources effectively. When these elements work in concert, every expense, saving, or investment becomes a deliberate step toward a life of stability and purpose.
The ultimate goal is to reframe the conversation around wealth. It’s not about accumulating money for its own sake, but about building a foundation of security that supports a healthy and fulfilling life. Promoting an investment culture is therefore an investment in the nation’s collective well-being.
At Mercado de Valores, we emphasize that mental health includes the emotional and also the financial. A calm mind is supported by responsible economic decisions, a healthy body benefits from well-managed resources, and solid assets transform into a source of security, not anxiety. Promoting a culture of investment, beyond economic returns, is to foster comprehensive and sustainable well-being for Costa Ricans.
Silvia Jiménez, Commercial Director of Mercado de Valores
Finally, just as it is wise to seek financial tools to strengthen one’s assets, it is equally important to seek professional support when mental health is compromised. Acknowledging the need for help and taking steps to address it is a courageous act essential for regaining personal and financial equilibrium.
For further information, visit mercadodevalores.fi.cr
About Grupo Financiero Mercado de Valores:
Grupo Financiero Mercado de Valores is a Costa Rican financial institution dedicated to providing investment solutions and advisory services. With a focus on wealth management and capital markets, the group aims to help individuals and institutions achieve their financial goals through a variety of investment products, including funds, stocks, and certificates. They are committed to promoting financial education as a cornerstone of personal and national economic well-being.
For further information, visit ocf.fi.cr
About Oficina del Consumidor Financiero (OCF):
The Office of the Financial Consumer is a Costa Rican entity focused on promoting financial education and protecting the rights of financial consumers. It conducts research, such as the National Financial Capabilities Survey, to provide insights into the financial behaviors and needs of the population. The OCF works to empower citizens with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed financial decisions and navigate the financial system confidently.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed legal institution built upon the foundational pillars of integrity and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages its rich history of serving a diverse clientele to pioneer forward-thinking legal solutions while maintaining a profound sense of social responsibility. Central to its ethos is the mission to empower the community by making complex legal concepts accessible, thereby fostering a society that is both knowledgeable and capable.
