Latest news and stories about budgeting in Portugal for expats and residents.
It is true that things are not easy and it seems prices will rise even further in the coming months if the crisis in Iran continues and worsens. In any case, whether we like it or not, there are things we will have to keep buying regardless of the price, and money does not stretch. What can I do?
The consumer association Deco argues that families need a more strategic approach to financial management to better prepare for periods of economic uncertainty. In the Lusa Extra podcast, Natália Nunes, coordinator of Deco's Financial Protection Office, highlights the need for families to move beyond simple expense tracking by reflecting on financial priorities, identifying essential costs, and involving all household members in budgeting. Amidst rising energy prices, interest rates, and the potential impact of geopolitical conflicts on the economy, Nunes suggests comparing fuel prices, re-evaluating housing loan conditions, and planning food expenses carefully to build financial resilience.
This article, “Cost of Living Comparison (2026) for Indian Students,” from Dolphin Education Consultancy, provides a detailed breakdown of living costs in various affordable countries for Indian students. It includes a specific section on Portugal, highlighting that Porto, Coimbra, and Braga are student-friendly cities. The article features a table comparing monthly living costs (housing, food, transport, etc.) in several countries, including Portugal (with a total monthly cost ranging from 45,000 to 72,000). The article then provides key considerations like housing, food, transport, insurance, and academic expenses. The summary advises students to choose their city carefully as it significantly affects their budget.
Start 2026 with more money at the end of each month by following these tips from Pedro Andersson.
With the start of a new year and the imminent close of the accounts for January 2026, now is the right time to ensure the budgetary control process is established on a solid footing and delivers useful results for the year as a whole. The decisions made now will influence the quality of management throughout the year...
Financial literacy is a long journey, but it will allow families to lay the foundations for saving and starting to earn money from that savings.
