A September survey by Argentine consultancy Brain Network found that 79% of respondents either barely covered monthly expenses or could not meet them, pointing to widespread pressure on household budgets.
About 45% said they had just enough to reach the end of the month, while 34% could not cover their expenses. The survey also found that 79% had a credit card. Among respondents who struggled to pay, 40% used a card to make up a shortfall; 31% cut spending, 23% borrowed from relatives or friends, 17% put off payments and 16% took out loans.
The poll placed 57% of respondents in a “Jugglers” group, describing people who stayed current by repeatedly adjusting their finances. Another 22% were classified as “Up to date,” while 21% were “Overwhelmed,” a group marked by insufficient income and recurring missed payments. People over 50 were most common among the Jugglers, while respondents aged 30 to 39 were prominent among those facing the greatest difficulties.
Payment problems also affected borrowers. In the six months before the survey, 60% of respondents with bank debt and 65% of those who owed digital finance platforms said they had trouble paying. Among Overwhelmed respondents who had payment problems, 21% took a new loan to repay another debt. Of respondents in arrears, 45% said they had not received a refinancing offer.
Lionel Holzman of Brain Network described the situation as a market that “is not in default, it is juggling.” He recommended that lenders offer refinancing before borrowers’ circumstances worsen.
Looking ahead to 2027, 44% expected their financial situation to improve, 36% expected it to remain unchanged and 20% anticipated a decline.
