The school break puts a strain on the family budget. If the option is traveling, expenses with tours (5.97%), bars and cafeterias (4.97%), and restaurant meals (3.51%) in Brazil can make this period more expensive. According to the CPI-10/FGV, calculated by FGV’s Brazilian Institute of Economics (IBRE), these services surpassed the accrued inflation in the last 12 months (January to December 2017), which was 3.24%.

Those who choose to stay home in Brazil will realize that filling the pantry with the kids’ favorite treats is much cheaper. The food basket consisting of 10 items rose 1.89%, below the accrued inflation this year. In the survey carried out by the economist and coordinator of IBRE’s Consumer Price Index (CPI), André Braz, candies and chocolates (-9.32%), cookies and crackers (-0.13%), and hot dogs and sausages (1.93%) are cheaper.

Moms and dads will also have to spend more when going out in the city. Musical concerts recorded an increase of 11.75%, while recreation clubs rose 8.29% and movie theaters rose 6.97% – well above the inflation measured by FGV’s IBRE.  According to Braz, regardless of the family’s preference, the best option is always to plan ahead.

“Scheduled trips are a great idea. The early provision of cash for the holidays prevents issues with the family’s budget in January. It is important to remember that January brings additional expenses with school tuition, school supplies, and vehicle and real estate property taxes. For those who did not plan ahead, expenses may weigh on the budget, because tours and meals rose above the average inflation”, said the expert.