Poços de Caldas leads the average value of debts among the three largest cities in the south of Minas Gerais analyzed by Serasa

Among the municipalities analyzed, Poços de Caldas has the highest average amount owed per consumer. The city records 63,326 defaulters, who accumulate 242,175 negative debts, totaling approximately R$517.6 million. The average amount owed per person reaches R$8,173.68, around 15.9% above the Minas Gerais average. Each negative debt has an average value of R$2,137.32, approximately 19.8% higher than the state average of R$1,783.56.

In Varginha, the survey counts 56,639 defaulting consumers and 249,263 records of negative debts. The amount owed amounts to approximately R$437.3 million. The average value per consumer is R$7,721.38, around 9.5% above the Minas Gerais average, while each debt has an average value of R$1,754.50.

"Three important municipalities in the south of Minas have an average debt per consumer above the state average. In Poços de Caldas, for example, this difference reaches almost 16%. This is a figure that deserves attention, especially since Minas has come to occupy the second position in the country in the absolute number of defaulters. This shows that we need to look not only at the number of people in default, but also at the weight of these debts on family budgets", analyzes Vinicius Gimenes, a Serasa specialist in financial education.

The numbers were released during the 36th edition of Feirão Serasa Limpa Nome, which started on November 3 and with the participation of more than 3,300 partner companies across the country. The action provides approximately 59.8 million renegotiation offers in Minas Gerais, with discounts that can reach 99%, depending on the conditions offered by creditors.

Consumers can consult renegotiation proposals until December 6th through Serasa's official channels, including website, app and WhatsApp, in addition to participating Post Office agencies, where the negotiation fee was waived during the festival period.

"The good news is that this is an especially favorable time for those who want to reorganize their finances. Feirão Serasa Limpa Nome offers negotiation opportunities with discounts that can reach 99%, depending on the creditor company. Our guidance is that consumers take the opportunity to check their debts and evaluate the conditions available, but always choosing an agreement that fits within the budget. More important than getting a good discount is making a commitment that can be fulfilled, avoiding a new cycle of debt", advises Vinicius.

In addition to the survey on default, a Serasa survey carried out in partnership with the Opinion Box Institute shows that 69.4% of miners who face or have faced debt in the last year say that they would need discounts of at least 90% to consider paying off their main financial debt.

The study also revealed that 54.1% of indebted consumers interviewed in Minas Gerais are only able to take on installments of up to R$100 per month. Among the main obstacles to settling debts are the lack of resources for payment in cash (32.7%), high interest rates (29.5%) and the assessment that the discounts offered are insufficient (21.9%).

Another data highlighted by the survey shows that 79% of those interviewed have already stopped paying a debt in installments for fear of not being able to pay all the installments. The impact of debt also appears in consumers' routines: 45% said they had reduced or abandoned leisure activities to prioritize paying off debts, while 35.2% said they had reduced the quantity or quality of food purchased for home.

Between January 1st and November 4th, 2026, 1,454,319 Minas Gerais consumers closed agreements through Serasa Limpa Nome, an increase of 17.2% compared to the same period in 2025, when 1,240,491 consumers were registered. In the same period, the number of negotiations carried out in the state increased from 3.23 million to 3.76 million, an increase of 16.2%.

"We know that many people want to resolve their issues, but need to find conditions compatible with their budget. Our role is to facilitate this path. Alongside the Post Office, we expanded the reach of Feirão and offered a free, in-person alternative for consumers to consult their situation and find negotiation possibilities", he stated.