Educação Financeira como instrumento de construção de renda passiva para alcançar a independência financeira - Estudo de um curso de extensão com abordagem comportamental financeira e análise das percepções dos participantes

Abstract

This qualitative research study had the overall objective of analyzing the process of creating and implementing an extension course in Financial Education, with an approach that helps build passive income and achieve financial independence. The study addressed emotional and behavioral aspects that influence financial decisions, encouraging spending control, resource management for economic well-being, and the formation of habits aimed at generating passive income as a path to achieving financial independence. To this end, an online extension course in Financial Education was developed, consisting of 10 meetings. Initially, the course had 115 volunteer participants, all adult workers from different areas, such as teachers, civil servants, administrators, and other professionals with active remuneration. In the end, 60 participants completed the course, attending all meetings that took place remotely on Saturdays. Topics covered included: Financial Education and its importance, Financial Literacy and Intelligence, remuneration and control of personal expenses, changing consumption habits, the need to eliminate debt, financial planning with investment diversification, building an emergency fund, understanding compound interest, passive income with investments in fixed and variable income, the digital currency Bitcoin as a possible store of value, and the impact of taxes on investments. Practical cases related to the cost of living were also analyzed. Data was collected through questionnaires administered at the end of each meeting and treated qualitatively, with an emphasis on analyzing participants' perceptions of each topic and comparisons with official data. The results showed significant advances in awareness of financial planning, encouraging better organization of expenses, reduction of impulsive spending, and adoption of more rational and diversified investment practices. Financial education, when associated with consistent behavioral and pedagogical practices, contributes significantly to the development of financial intelligence and the gradual construction of financial independence. The course proved to be an effective tool for promoting changes in mindset and encouraging the adoption of healthy financial habits, reinforcing the importance of financial education as an instrument of personal and social transformation. As a complementary part of the project, the researcher participated in the Sandwich Doctorate Program Abroad (PDSE) at the University of Coimbra in Portugal, where he conducted a comparative analysis between Brazil and Portugal on the degree of financial literacy, based on PISA/OECD data from 2022, and on public policies aimed at financial education in both countries. This international experience broadened his understanding of the relevance of financial education as an educational and social policy, highlighting structural similarities and differences between the two countries.