Retirement & Financial Planning

Retirement Analysis

A secure retirement begins with a clear understanding of your current situation. We conduct a comprehensive analysis of your entire pension position across all three pillars of the Swiss system, providing you with a detailed picture of your projected retirement income.

• AHV (Pillar 1) – We review your AHV contribution history and calculate your projected state pension, identifying any gaps that could reduce your entitlement
• BVG (Pillar 2) – We analyse your pension fund statements, the projected conversion rates and whether your current employer’s pension plan is competitive
• Pillar 3a & 3b – We consolidate your private retirement savings across all accounts and assess their performance, fees and projected value at retirement
• Living Standard Projection – We compare your total projected retirement income against your desired standard of living to identify any shortfalls

Pension Gap Analysis

Once we understand your current pension position, we quantify the gap between what you will receive and what you actually need. This pension gap is the single most important metric in your retirement planning.

Our analysis calculates the precise difference between your projected retirement income from all three pillars and the annual income required to maintain your desired standard of living. We then develop a tailored strategy to close this gap using the most effective instruments available.

• Maximise Pillar 3a – Ensure you are contributing the maximum amount each year and that your funds are invested in line with your investment horizon
• Voluntary BVG buy-ins – We identify the available purchase potential in your pension fund, which also delivers immediate tax savings
• Pillar 3b solutions – For those who have already exhausted 3a and BVG, structured 3b savings solutions provide additional retirement capital outside the regulated system
• Investment strategy – Optimising the allocation of existing pension assets to improve long-term returns

Early Retirement

Retiring before the standard Swiss retirement age of 65 is possible – but it carries significant financial implications that must be carefully planned. Every year of early retirement means fewer contribution years and more years of drawdown.

We model the financial impact of retirement at various ages – 58, 60, 62 versus 65 – so that you can make an informed decision based on real numbers rather than assumptions.

• AHV bridging pension – If you retire early, you will not receive your AHV until age 65. We calculate whether your pension fund offers a bridging pension and what it costs
• BVG early-withdrawal reductions – Early retirement typically reduces your BVG conversion rate, resulting in a permanently lower annual pension. We quantify these effects
• Lump sum vs. annuity decision – One of the most consequential decisions at retirement is whether to take your BVG balance as a lump sum, as a monthly pension, or as a combination. We analyse both options based on your health, family situation, tax position and investment capacity
• AHV contribution obligation – Even after early retirement, you remain obliged to pay AHV contributions as a non-employed person until age 65. We plan for these often-overlooked costs

AHV Optimisation

The AHV (state pension) forms the foundation of retirement income in Switzerland. Even small gaps in your contribution history can permanently reduce your pension. We review your individual AHV account to identify and address any issues.

• Contribution gap analysis – We request your individual AHV statement and check for missing contribution years that may have arisen during time abroad, between jobs or during education. Gaps can be partially closed retroactively
• Splitting strategies for married couples – AHV pensions for married couples are calculated differently from those for individuals. We analyse how income splitting, child-raising credits and care credits affect each spouse’s pension, and optimise accordingly
• Deferral options – You can defer your AHV pension by up to five years beyond the standard retirement age. Each year of deferral increases your annual pension by 5.2%, up to 31.5% for the full five years. We calculate whether deferral makes financial sense in your specific situation
• Coordination with other income – We ensure that your AHV is coordinated with your BVG, Pillar 3a withdrawals and all other income sources to minimise your overall tax burden in retirement

Budget & Cash Flow Planning

Sound financial planning starts with understanding where your money goes. We create a comprehensive income and expenditure analysis that gives you full transparency over your household finances and highlights areas for optimisation.

• Income and expenditure analysis – We capture all income sources and categorise your expenses to create a clear financial picture. This includes fixed costs, variable expenses, insurance premiums, tax liabilities and discretionary spending
• Savings rate optimisation – We identify areas where costs can be reduced without compromising your quality of life and redirect those savings towards your financial goals – whether retirement, property or education funding
• Emergency reserve strategy – We recommend an appropriate emergency reserve based on your family situation, job security and insurance coverage, ensuring you are protected against unexpected expenses without tying up too much liquidity

Tax Planning

Switzerland’s federal structure means that tax rates vary significantly between cantons and even municipalities. Strategic tax planning can save you thousands of francs every year. We work with certified tax advisers in our network to develop optimised tax strategies.

• Canton comparison – If you are considering a move, we analyse the tax implications across cantons and municipalities so that you understand the true financial consequences of your choice of residence
• Staggered 3a withdrawals – By maintaining multiple 3a accounts and withdrawing them in different tax years, you avoid the progressive tax rate applied to capital benefits. Timing is crucial
• Voluntary BVG buy-ins – Contributions to your pension fund are fully tax-deductible. We calculate your available purchase potential and plan the contributions strategically over several years for maximum tax benefit
• Indirect mortgage amortisation – Instead of repaying your mortgage directly, indirect amortisation via a Pillar 3a account allows you to maintain the mortgage interest deduction while simultaneously building retirement savings. We structure this correctly

Estate & Succession Planning

Swiss inheritance law was fundamentally reformed in 2023, increasing the freely disposable share of the estate. This gives you more flexibility to distribute your assets according to your wishes – but only if your estate planning is up to date.

• New Swiss inheritance law – Under the revised law, the reserved portion for descendants has been reduced and the reserved portion for parents has been abolished entirely. This means a greater freely disposable share that you can allocate by will according to your preferences
• Marital property implications – Your matrimonial property regime directly affects what happens to your assets upon death. We coordinate with notaries to ensure that your marital agreement and your will work together to achieve your goals
• Advance directives and power of attorney – Beyond financial assets, we help you put in place directives covering medical decisions and powers of attorney, ensuring your wishes are respected should you no longer be able to express them yourself
• Coordination with specialists – Estate planning requires legal precision. We connect you with notaries and lawyers in our network who specialise in Swiss inheritance law, to produce legally sound documents

Divorce & Separation

Divorce or separation is one of the most financially significant events in life. Beyond the emotional toll, complex financial matters must be addressed to protect your future. We provide independent advice to guide you through this process.

• Pension equalisation (BVG splitting) – Swiss law requires an equal division of pension fund assets accumulated during the marriage. We help you understand what this means for your retirement and how to plan accordingly
• Post-divorce insurance review – After a separation, your insurance needs change fundamentally. Beneficiary designations, health insurance, household policies and life insurance must all be reviewed and updated
• Financial restructuring – From one household to two – we help you build a sustainable financial plan based on a single income, including budgeting, savings strategy and adjusted retirement projections
• Children’s provision – We ensure that child maintenance, education funding and risk coverage for children are properly planned and secured through appropriate insurance and savings structures