If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably looking for a safe way to invest your money. Maybe you’ve already heard about this thing called Tesouro Direto, but you still have doubts about what it is, how it works, and, most importantly, if it’s worth it for you. Well, take a deep breath.
This article is to explain all of this to you in a simple, clear, and straightforward manner, as if it were a conversation with a friend who understands the subject.
By the way, if there’s one thing we need to do more, it’s talk about money naturally. For a long time, this subject was a taboo, something only specialists could understand. However, times have changed. And today, understanding finances is a way of taking care of life as important as taking care of health or relationships.
After all, what is Tesouro Direto?
Directly, Tesouro Direto is a Federal Government program created to facilitate access for individuals (that is, people like you and me) to public bonds. These bonds are nothing more than a way for the government to raise money to finance activities such as education, health, infrastructure, among other essential areas.
In return, he pays you interest. It’s as if you were lending money to the government and, after a while, receiving back the borrowed amount with a bonus. Does it seem simple? Well, it really is. And, believe it or not, it’s one of the safest investments in Brazil.
But how does it work in practice?
Let’s imagine a daily situation: you lend R$ 100.00 to a friend, and he promises to pay you back in a year with R$ 110.00. That means he is paying you 10% interest, right?
The Tesouro Direto basically works like this. You choose a bond, invest an amount, and, upon maturity, receive the value back with the agreed-upon interest. However, there are different types of bonds, and each has its own particularities. In a little while, I’ll explain this better.
Before that, it is worth noting that anyone can invest, even with little money. With around R$ 30.00, it is already possible to start. Yes, that’s right! You don’t need to be a millionaire or an expert in economics. And perhaps this is one of the greatest beauties of Tesouro Direto: it democratizes investment.
The main types of title
Now, let’s get to the practical part. There are basically three types of bonds in the Tesouro Direto:
Treasury Selic (LFT)
This is the most recommended for those who are just starting out. Its yield is linked to the Selic rate, which is the basic interest rate of the economy. This means that if the Selic rate rises, the yield also rises. If it falls, the yield decreases. Even so, the Selic Treasury is known for its stability and liquidity, as it is easy to redeem the money before the due date, with little variation in value.
Treasury Fixed Rate (LTN)
Here, the logic is simple: you already know how much you will receive at maturity. For example, you invest R$ 100.00 today and know that you will receive R$ 120.00 on a specific date in the future. This provides greater predictability, which can be great for those who have a defined goal, such as a trip or a course.
However, it is important to remember: if you withdraw the money before maturity, you may end up losing money, depending on market conditions. Therefore, it’s good to think carefully before investing here.
Treasury IPCA+ (NTN-B)
This bond is a mix of security and protection against inflation. It yields a fixed rate plus the variation of the IPCA, which is the official inflation index in Brazil. This means that, even if the cost of living rises, your money will continue to yield above inflation. It’s a great option for those thinking long-term, like retirement.
Why is the Tesouro Direto so safe?
Good question. The answer lies in the fact that Tesouro Direto is an investment guarantyd by the Federal Government. In other words, the risk of default is very low. After all, for the government to stop meeting its obligations, the entire country would have to go bankrupt, which is something extremely rare.
Moreover, the Tesouro Direto platform is completely digital, secure, and supervised by B3 (the Stock Exchange) and the National Treasury. This brings even more peace of mind for those who are just starting.
What are the costs involved?
Despite being an accessible investment, Tesouro Direto has two main costs:
- Custody fee of B3: currently, it is 0.20% per year on the invested amount.
- Income Tax: it only applies to the profit and follows the regressive table, starting at 22.5% (for investments up to 180 days) and reaching 15% (for investments over 720 days).
Even with these costs, Tesouro Direto still offers great returns, with security and convenience.
And if I want to withdraw the money before the due date?
You can do that, yes. The Tesouro Direto has daily liquidity, meaning the National Treasury buys back its bonds every business day. However, it is important to be aware: if you sell before maturity, the value may vary up or down, depending on the market marking, which is a way to reassess the bond daily according to economic conditions.
Therefore, before withdrawing, it is good to check if the current value is interesting. But if you choose Tesouro Selic, this variation is minimal, which makes it an excellent emergency reserve.
How to start investing?
Starting with Tesouro Direto is easier than it seems. See the step-by-step guide:
- Open an account with a brokerage: there are several reliable ones in the market, including those with zero fees.
- Access the broker’s platform or the Tesouro Direto itself (www.tesourodireto.com.br).
- Choose the title that makes sense for your objective.
- Define the amount to invest and complete the application.
Simple as that. And the best part: you can follow everything online, at your own pace, without complications.
Is it worth investing in Tesouro Direto?
If you are looking for security, profitability above savings accounts, and convenience, the answer is yes. Treasury Direct is one of the best ways to start in the world of investments, in addition to being an excellent alternative for those who want to build a more stable financial life.
However, as with any investment, the ideal is to know your profile well. Are you more conservative? Are you afraid of losing money? Or are you willing to take a bit more risk for a higher return? The Tesouro Direto caters to different profiles, as long as you understand the objectives of each bond.
Golden tip to wrap up
If you are just starting now, take it slow. Invest first in Tesouro Selic, build your emergency fund, and only then start exploring other securities. In this way, you create a solid foundation, gain confidence, and broaden your horizons without getting desperate.
Moreover, take the opportunity to learn constantly. Read, ask questions, listen to podcasts, follow finance channels. Knowledge is the key to making more informed decisions, and the first step you have already taken by getting here.