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Retirement planning for the self-employed — honest
When you're self-employed, no one pays into your pension automatically — that's your job. Uncomfortable, but doable. Here are the basics without insurance sales talk, plus a calculator that shows what small amounts become over the years. No prior knowledge needed. (Context: the German-speaking region — DACH.)
Why it especially affects you
Employees split pension contributions with their employer — for you, that share is gone. The state pension is low or non-existent for many self-employed people. The good news: you have full control and can build cheaply and early. The biggest lever isn't a clever product — it's time.
The options (rough — differ by country)
DIY: broad & cheap
A global, low-cost savings plan is the base for many — flexible, transparent, no high commissions. Basics: ETFs for beginners & Savings plan vs trading.
State-supported options
Depending on your country there are supported or tax-favoured pension routes (e.g. specific "pillars" or basic pensions). They can make sense but are often less flexible — check costs and conditions closely.
Property & others
Can fit, but it's capital-intensive, inflexible and no autopilot. Not something to base your entire pension on.
The honest mix
There's no one-size-fits-all. For most: a cheap savings plan as the backbone, possibly plus a supported option — and above all, start early.
The 7 honest rules
1. Starting early beats paying a lot
Thanks to compounding, an early start often beats saving twice as much later. Start small today rather than "properly someday".
2. Emergency fund first, then pension
2–3 months of expenses as a buffer, so you don't have to raid your pension in a lean spell.
3. Broad & cheap over costly & complex
High ongoing costs eat enormous returns over decades. Compare fees — they're what you can reliably control.
4. Automate
A standing order right after money comes in. What runs automatically tends to stick.
5. Stay flexible
Your income fluctuates. Choose routes where you can adjust or pause contributions without heavy penalties.
6. Beware commission "advice"
Someone who only earns from selling a specific product is no neutral adviser. Ask for total costs and alternatives.
7. Factor in tax
Some pension routes are tax-favoured. How it works in your country: tax basics for the self-employed.
Pension calculator: what does your contribution become?
Play with the numbers and see what monthly saving until retirement can become. Runs in your browser, nothing is stored or sent.
Heavily simplified projection with a constant return. Real returns swing, can be negative; inflation, costs and taxes are not included. Not investment advice, not a guarantee.
Sticking with it is half the pension
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Common questions
How do I plan for retirement when self-employed?
Since no one pays in automatically, you build it yourself — usually a mix: a cheap, broadly diversified savings plan plus possibly state-supported options depending on your country. More important than the perfect product is starting early and regularly. This is not investment advice.
How much should I set aside for retirement?
There's no fixed number — it depends on income, lifestyle and country. Regularity over many years matters more than the amount, because compounding then works for you. The calculator on this page shows roughly how amounts grow.
Are commission-based pension products worth it?
Be careful: high upfront and admin costs eat a lot of return over decades. Always compare ongoing costs and be skeptical of advisers who only earn from a sale. When in doubt, get independent advice.
Related: Savings plan vs trading · ETFs for beginners · Tax basics
aban news is a Swiss sole proprietorship and gives no investment, insurance or tax advice. All content is for general information. Investing carries the risk of capital loss.