Save or borrow in bolivianos in 2025? Buy dollars? | ¿Ahorrar o prestarse en bolivianos en 2025? ¿Comprar dólares?

By Erbol:

IN THE FACE OF THE CRISIS

Save or borrow in bolivianos in 2025? Buy dollars? Economist Jaime Dunn’s advice for this year

Photo: FB / Jaime Dunn

As 2025 is expected to be a challenging economic year in Bolivia, renowned analyst Jaime Dunn offered some advice to help citizens navigate the situation and better manage their finances.

Dunn explained that the price pressures seen in 2024 will persist in 2025, as the government continues to rely on underperforming public companies and maintains high public spending, resulting in a fiscal deficit.

In this context, he recommended that citizens first adopt a “wealth protection mode.”

He described this as holding assets not in the national currency but in goods valued in dollars, such as land, vehicles, or even flat-screen TVs.

He also stressed the importance of having access to dollars and, if possible, investing in gold, silver, or jewelry to preserve value.

Another option Dunn suggested is entering the cryptocurrency market, particularly stablecoins like USDC and USDT, which have a value similar to the dollar.

Save or borrow in bolivianos?

In light of the de facto devaluation of the boliviano against the dollar, the economist advised against saving in the national currency.

“If you keep money in bolivianos, it should only be what is strictly necessary,” he explained in an interview with ERBOL.

Dunn noted that saving in bolivianos makes no sense unless interest rates reach double digits, which they currently do not in Bolivia. Instead, he emphasized that buying dollars is a better option.

He also highlighted that borrowing in bolivianos is particularly advantageous, especially with the longest repayment terms possible. This strategy, he said, allows one to “win over time” due to the currency’s devaluation.

He even suggested borrowing bolivianos to purchase dollars, describing this as an excellent way to protect oneself not only from devaluation but also to generate additional returns.

For those owed money in bolivianos, Dunn recommended collecting debts as soon as possible, considering the national currency’s likely depreciation in the future.

Beyond these recommendations, Dunn advised people to avoid unnecessary spending, as the government has been doing, and to remain in a wealth protection mode.

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