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Financial literacy guide · Understanding the financial profile

Is wanting investment risk the same as being able to bear a loss?

Dra. Marta Sequeira says she accepts investment fluctuations, yet has a scheduled family expense. In this fictional story, Clara Mota separates two questions: how Marta views uncertainty and which loss she could absorb without compromising her plans. The same statement of preference does not establish when the money is available. This example neither assesses Marta nor recommends a product.

By RMACHADO GROUP · · 3 min read

THE ESSENTIALS

Before you start

  • Risk tolerance and financial capacity answer different questions.
  • The context is an advised sale of an insurance-based investment product.
  • The questionnaire and documents need to reflect your actual circumstances.

What advice needs to consider

Article 41 of the regime approved by Law 7/2019 distinguishes knowledge and experience, financial circumstances and investment objectives. For advised sales it includes loss-bearing capacity and risk tolerance, and provides for a suitability statement before the contract, subject to its stated exception for certain distance channels.

EIOPA explains that the financial and objective information collected requires a relevant, proportionate case-by-case assessment. This guide explains the questions' purpose; it does not assess you or recommend a product.

Sources: PGR Lisboa — Lei n.º 7/2019, versão atualizada com DL 171/2026; artigo 41.º completo, cotejado com Diário da República e lido em 02/11/2026 ↗ · EIOPA — Q&A 1642, resposta oficial final completa sobre informação relevante e proporcional na adequação; lida 02/11/2026 ↗

A preference does not explain the budget or time horizon

Marta writes “I accept risk” in her notebook. Clara asks for a second sentence: what is the money for, and when might it be needed? Marta recognises that the scheduled expense needs to be identified. Not feeling alarmed by a fall does not establish that she can wait for a recovery, or that a recovery will occur.

This fictional example assigns no profile, loss limit or suitable solution. It shows why purpose and timing should be explained rather than copying a relative’s answers or choosing an answer simply to finish a questionnaire.

Prepare two separate notes

In one note describe what you want to achieve and how you view uncertainty. In another organise the commitments and dates that restrict the availability of the money. Mark what you do not yet know; do not turn an estimate into a certainty just to finish a form.

If a question combines several concepts, ask for it to be separated. 'Can I wait longer?' and 'Can I accept receiving less money?' can clarify a discussion, but they are not a test that automatically approves a subscription.

Bring the explanation without exposing your finances

When you receive the suitability explanation, check whether it reflects the objective and circumstances you supplied. If something is wrong or an important circumstance has changed, request correction and clarification before deciding.

You can start a savings and investment insurance enquiry with RMACHADO. Do not post income, assets or documents in comments; agree the appropriate channel for necessary information. An enquiry is neither an investment instruction nor confirmation of suitability.

KEEP THESE QUESTIONS

Your checklist for the next conversation

  • Identify the purpose of the money and when it may be needed.
  • Separate financial availability from risk preference.
  • Clarify questions and correct outdated information.
  • Ask for the suitability explanation before becoming bound.

FROM THE ARTICLE TO YOUR SITUATION

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Sources and transparency

Content updated on .

Consultation dates are stated in individual references when available.

Numerical examples are fictional and explain concepts. Editorial interpretations are identified in the text.

Information from RMACHADO GROUP. This is not an insurance offer or individual advice. Covers, acceptance, exclusions, sums insured and costs depend on the policy. The intermediary does not underwrite the risks.