How does the pension system work?

The pension system in Germany is based on three pillars; statutory, occupational and private pension provision. Many people are probably aware that this system is not doing too well these days. Read here what the three pillars are all about:

Here is an overview of the three pillars:

1. Statutory pension provision
2. Occupational pension provision
3. Private pension provision

Statutory pension provision: Collecting points for all they’re worth

Statutory pension provision ends up not really being worth talking about, thanks to certain factors such as inflation, i.e. the devaluation of money. Roughly speaking, “pension points” must be accumulated, all of which have a certain value:

• Average earnings (< 60,000 euros gross / year): One point per year
• Below average earnings : Half point per year
• Above average earnings (> 60.000€ gross/year): Two points per year

The points are then added up to the pension and multiplied by the “pension value”. Here you can find the current formula for calculating the monthly pension amount:

Monthly pension amount = earning points x access factor x pension value x pension type factor

Here is a quick example to calculate the pension of an average earner:

Example: Average < 60,000 / year

Example (40 years of work):

• Pension points: 40
• Pension value current: ~ 34
• Standard age limit / pension type factor: 1

Monthly pension:

• 40 x 34 x 1 = 1.360 Euro

Factor source: German Pension Insurance.

However, it does not stop there. Even with this amount, all taxes and inflation must still be calculated. Factors such as tax, health and long-term care insurance must also be taken into account. Especially inflation hits your pension hard. Don’t you think? Here you can find an overview of the change in the inflation rate in Germany from 1992 to 2020.

You can find more statistics at Statista.

Occupational pension provision: Secondary cover as a solution?

The company pension scheme is an additional safeguard to the statutory pension scheme. It is considered a supplementary pension and is financed by the employer. Even with this, it is difficult to cover one’s costs in old age.

Private pension provision: Investment in real estate

Let’s move on to private pension provision. The first question that arises here is how do I invest my money and in which form of investment should I invest at all? Inflation is our biggest enemy when investing in a financial product, but it is our best friend when investing in real estate, as we have already described in the article Wealth Creation & Inflation.

Here briefly again in simply explained!

Investment form Financial product:

• 10,000 euros in a savings account are and remain 10,000 euros. Even if the money is only worth half in 30 years (inflation).

Investment form real estate:

• If you buy a condominium for 10,000 euros, the money in 30 years is only worth half, you get for your property 20,000 euros

As you can see well here, when you invest in a property, you are always very well protected against inflation and can also still make profits. Unfortunately, our pension is similar to the investment in a financial product – in the end, we all make a loss.

The next step: real estate as an investment

This article compares the classic investment of money in the bank with a capital investment in the form of real estate. Real estate creates “real value”. Find out what that means here!

Learn here about the benefits of investing in real estate for your retirement savings, too!

Tax Videos: Tax optimization & save money with tips from experts

With these tricks from real experts, you can save an average of €1000 in taxes every year! Here you can learn everything about taxes. What is a tax return, when and where do I have to file it, what taxes are there, how can I save as much money as possible, how do I pay taxes on my own home and, and, and… With us you get helpful tricks and tips from experts that can save you money. Acquiring the necessary know-how will cost you little time, but will definitely pay off for you financially. The more knowledge you acquire, the greater your financial gain will be. Learn how to do it here!

Basics: calculate tax, tax return, tips & tricks

Taxes are a vexing topic for many, but everyone has to pay them and everyone is confronted with them on a regular basis. But what taxes are there actually and when do I have to pay which tax? How do I actually make a tax return and when do I have to submit it? Most importantly, how can I save as much tax as possible? With these videos from experts and professionals, you’ll get all the necessary information and definitions on the basics around taxes and get tips and tricks on how to save a lot of money on your next tax return with the right strategy!

• Tax BasicsVideos

Tax return: real estate, save money & avoid mistakes

Why, why and why are tax returns so important? Not only professionals, but also students, trainees or pensioners can benefit from a tax return. If you have never deducted anything from your taxes and have no previous knowledge, then you can get super informed in our tax return guide. Here you will find tips and tricks in the form of expert videos that will help you avoid mistakes. We also give you tutorials to help you with your first or next tax return.

• Videos with tips and tricks: Tax return

Tax tips & tricks: Save money on your tax return

Almost everyone knows it, there comes a time in the year when it is called: The tax return is due again. For many, this is still a vexing topic, but it doesn’t have to be! With the right tax return and the appropriate strategies, you can often get a lot of money back and thus save an average of 1000 € per year. We have compiled the most important and exciting tips and tricks for you in videos from experts, so that you can also save money and look forward to the next tax assessment in the future!

• Videos: Tax Tips & Tricks

Taxes for real estate: savings on sale, donation and much more.

Real estate is basically a big topic in the financial world: buying, selling, inheriting, donating, renting, investing, etc. But to what extent do I actually have to pay taxes in the area of real estate? With tips and tricks you can save a lot on your property taxes, you just have to know how. In our video list you will find many videos in which experts explain to you what really matters and which mistakes you should avoid at all costs. With this help, you will soon be able to fully understand the topic of real estate taxes and save a lot of money in the future!

Taxes & capital gains: avoid taxes with tips and tricks

Generating capital gains is one thing. Then again, taxing them is another. What exactly capital gains are and what they have to do with taxes, you will learn here. Among other things, the topics of capital gains tax, tax returns, dividends and interest are adressed in relation to taxes. Through tips and tricks from experts, which they reveal to you in these videos, you get help for your tax return and more net income.

• Video Tips: Taxes & Capital Gains

Finance: Save money, build capital and invest

Before you get into the topic of taxes and paying taxes, you should get an overview of your finances. What do I have, where do I have it and what is the best way to deal with it? Once you’ve built up some equity, the next step is to invest or reinvest it as smartly as possible. If you have chosen the right strategy, wealth accumulation almost runs by itself. How all these dynamics intertwine and how you can earn a lot of money with all this you can learn here!

Finance: Basics, Credit & Financial Freedom

Finances are a very important topic in today’s society, with which basically everyone comes into contact in one way or another. We explain the most common terms in the world of finance and give you information and tips on loans, overnight money, shares, etc. If you want to know how investments work, what different financial products and options are available and which credit card is particularly recommendable, you’ve come to the right place. You will also learn how to avoid risks and mistakes.

• Recommendations: Videos Finance

Wealth Building: Real estate, taxes and passive income

You don’t want to slave for your money all your life? You want to make your money work for you and finally build your own wealth? We’ve compiled the best video tips for you to learn how you too can finally build wealth. Passive income, stocks, investments, real estate and ETFs, all these terms and strategies are explained and explained to you in the videos. With this know-how, everyone can learn something, build up or expand their assets or simply make targeted provisions for old age. It’s worth watching!

• Video tips wealth accumulation

Investment: investing money, strategies and capital accumulation

Real estate is considered a safe and profitable investment. But what is the best way to invest in houses or apartments? Whatever drives you to make a lot of money: Buying a home as an investment is the best idea you can make. If you want to successfuly invest in real estate, you need a good strategy. It’s underestimated how quickly life can change. Successful investors calculate before they buy whether the expected return on a property will cover the financing costs and whether they can even make a profit in the end. Learn here how you can do that too!

• Successful Investment Video Tips

Financial provision: possibilities, savings and reserves

Once you have saved money through taxes and the right handling of your finances, the question now is how best to invest and invest your money. It always makes the most sense to make provisions for old age – unfortunately, too many people still forget that. Whether it’s retirement planning or pensions, it’s never too early to get comprehensive information. Here you will find recommendations for videos on the subject of financial provision for old age.

Retirement provision: insurance, declaration and provision for the self-employed

The subject of old-age provision is one of the most important topics that Germans think about. Even at a young age, people are made aware of the need to make provisions for later life. But how exactly do I do that? When do I start with old-age provision? Which mistakes should I avoid? Where can I get tips? And why do I need a financial provision at all? We’ll answer all these questions and more here.

• Videos old age provision

Pension: How much is your pension, calculation, tips & tricks

Sooner or later, everyone has to deal with their pension. How the pension system works, when and where you can get the best information, what mistakes you can avoid and what tips there are to set the pension as high as possible, we show you all that here. We also give you insights into investment options and the Riester pension.

• Tips via video: Pension

Tip! Taxes XXL – Taxes at a glance + explanation

Taxes are often a vexing topic, especially in Germany. Wage tax, value added tax, real estate transfer tax and much more: it is not easy to keep track of everything. But if you’re not interested in employing a tax consultant, who can be quite expensive, you need to get to grips with the subject of taxes. We want to help you with that! Here you will find an overview of guides as well as book and video tips on the subject of taxes. Whether we introduce you to individual types of German taxes or you watch a video on the subject of tax returns, all your questions about German taxes will be answered here.

• Book and Video Tips: Taxes XXL

Retirement: Avoid mistakes and follow tips

Here you will find everything you need to know about pensions. With our book recommendations, you can really get smart and avoid mistakes when concluding the pension. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced reader, we’ll show you the best and most helpful books.

Here’s another tip for you (external). What’s the best way to protect yourself from poverty in old age due to low pensions? The answer is: turning taxes into assets. Tax avoidance means building knowledge yourself. Online you can find a lot of (free) articles and tips on Lukinski.de: From real estate as an investment by renting to asset management to saving taxes with real estate (external). Everything free of charge from the expert.

Tip! Overview Wealth Building XXL – Book, Video, Tips & Tricks

If you want to build up private wealth and create financial reserves, there are a few things you should keep in mind. In addition to the tips you get in this article, you might also be interested in our extensive overview page. There you will find an overview of articles, as well as book and video tips with successful and helpful books and videos on the subject of wealth accumulation – including tips and tricks from professionals and experts.

• Book & Video Tips Overview: Wealth Creation XXL

Retirement for beginners

Rating: 4.6 / 5.0 (557 ratings)

For decades, you showed up for work every goddamn workday. Always dutiful, often on time, and usually in a good mood. You put up with no grumbling about missing raises, countless hours of overtime, and merry Christmas parties. You never thought about what it would be like when it was all over. And then suddenly it’s here: retirement. And now?
This book helps you prepare for the new phase of your life and is an indispensable companion for the time after work! Because in the huge, pitch-black hole into which you inevitably threaten to fall after your last day at work, there are plenty of pleasant surprises waiting for you!

• Buy at Amazon

Retirement in sight: Your financial guide to retirement

Ratings: 4.3 / 5.0 (10 ratings)

Well positioned for the third stage of life:

• What needs to be considered with regard to statutory pensions and occupational pension schemes?
• Tax liability and saving taxes: What applies to different incomes in retirement?
• Making the most of financial investments: How the transition to retirement influences financial strategy
• Health insurance, long-term care insurance and other insurance policies: This is how the insurance portfolio is reorganized
• Enjoying retirement abroad: What to consider when it comes to pensions, property and insurance? Pensioners and retirees are in a special financial situation: income, expenses and time horizon have become more manageable. Restrictions apply, for example on loans, and special rules apply, for example on taxation. In addition to retirement income, many men and women aged 60 and over have to take care of other financial areas, such as reducing investment risks or making well-considered arrangements for their estate.
• Buy at Amazon

My pension – Planning for retirement – Early retirement options

Ratings: 4.2 / 5.0 (5 ratings)

The new guidebook from Stiftung Warentest clarifies all the important questions using many clear practical examples: How do I manage to have enough money available after my working life? What can I do as an employed person to collect more pension points? What do part-time work, self-employment, child-raising periods and maternity pensions, mini-jobs, periods spent abroad or divorce mean for my pension provision? How can private pension provision supplement the state pension?

• Your personal roadmap: How to make the right decisions for more retirement at key life junctures
• Work and family: getting more out of life as an employee, self-employed person and in family times
• The pension in front of your eyes: Increase your pension with voluntary payments, find the right date to jump ship
• Buy at Amazon

You don’t get retirement for free, you have to earn it!

Ratings: 4.7 / 5.0 (122 ratings)

Your father, a friend or a colleague is retiring? Then give the retiree in Spe with this small gift book a farewell gift with a wink. The booklet is an amusing substitute for a greeting card on retirement. It also makes a wonderful addition to a bouquet of flowers or a monetary gift. The combination of colourful illustrations, funny texts and wise words give the retirement gift that certain something.

• Buy at Amazon

Private old-age provision: Provision requirements – Financial roadmap

Ratings: 4.5 / 5.0 (8 ratings)

Close the pension gap. Start your retirement planning now and time will work for you. Every year, the Finanztest experts test more than 10,000 products on the subject of old-age provision. Make more of your money – despite low interest rates. This guide shows you which investments you can use to build up a comfortable financial cushion even in times of low interest rates. Determine your individual pension needs and develop your personal financial roadmap.

• Personal roadmap: How to get to the optimal provision step by step
• Statutory pension: What you can get out of it
• Pension provision with state assistance: Which offers are worthwhile – and which are not
• Private pension provision: How to find top providers
• Practical examples: Which investments fit your life situation
• Buy at Amazon

The pension consultant

Ratings: 5.0 / 5.0 (2 ratings)

The expert guide to all pension issues and retirement provision (including Riester pension and Rürup pension). The book includes all legal changes through the latest pension package, the new regulations, the Flexi-Rente.

• When can I retire without deductions?
• How much will my pension be?
• What are pension deductions?
• Which periods are taken into account for my pension?
• What can I earn in addition to my pension?
• Buy at Amazon

State Pension Practice: The expert guide

Ratings: 5.0 / 5.0 (3 ratings)

When can I retire?, How much is the pension?, What are pension deductions?, Which periods are taken into account for my pension? The book provides answers to these and many other questions. The authors place great emphasis on the connection to practice.

• 55 years of reforms in the statutory pension insurance
• The three pillars of old-age provision
• Periods under pension law
• Minijob and Midijob
• Insured persons’ pensions
• Survivor’s pension claims
• Pension equalisation and pension splitting
• The most important facts about pension calculation
• The tax treatment of pensions and contributions
• The insurance account and information
• Private old-age provision in the form of a Riester pension
• Private pension provision in the form of the Rürup pension
• Company pension scheme
• Basic income support in old age and in the event of reduced earning capacity
• Buy at Amazon

Further links

We have more helpful video and book lists for you on topics that might interest you. Below are some helpful links for you.

Retirement provision

The topic of old-age provision is one of the most important issues Germans are concerned about. Already at a young age, one is made aware of the need to provide for later. But how exactly do I do that? When do I start with the old-age provision? Which mistakes should I avoid? Where can I get tips? And why do I need a pension at all? We answer all these questions and more here.

• Video tips on the subject of old-age provision
• Book recommendations on the subject of old-age provision

Tax return

Why, why, why are tax returns so important? Not only professionals, but also students or pensioners can benefit from a tax return. If you have never deducted anything from your taxes and have no previous knowledge, you can get super informed in our tax return guide. We show you tips and tricks on how to avoid mistakes and provide you with tutorials that will help you with your first or next tax return. If you want to know even more, then we have a great article on the tax basics: income, sales & Co.

• Video tips on the subject of tax returns
• Book recommendations on the subject of tax returns

Buying real estate

With our book and video list on buying real estate, you can’t go wrong with your next real estate purchase. Our book tips cover all topics from the right inspection to the closing and the possible resale. What do you have to pay attention to? How do you finance your purchase? How do you evaluate a property? And how do you conclude the contract? You will find the answers here.

• Video tips on buying real estate
• Book recommendations on the subject of buying real estate

Advisor Wealth Accumulation XXL: Finance, Investment & Co.

Who wouldn’t like to build up their own assets? Whether you want to be able to afford something or would like to generate a financial buffer for old age, asset accumulation is a relevant and, above all, sensible topic for virtually everyone. But what options are there for building up assets? Life insurance, retirement planning, or investing in real estate? Here you will find an overview of articles, as well as book and video recommendations on the subject of asset building. From saving taxes to passive income to tips on successful investing – experts and professionals share their know-how in their videos and readings and answer all questions about wealth accumulation.

• Book and Video Tips: Wealth Building XXL

Understanding retirement planning: Tips & Options

Here you will find helpful videos on the topic of retirement planning. How do you save for your old age? How do you become financially independent and how much do you really need? These videos will answer all these questions and much more.

Here’s another tip for you (external). What’s the best way to protect yourself from poverty in old age due to low pensions? The answer is: turning taxes into assets. Tax avoidance means building knowledge yourself. Online you can find a lot of (free) articles and tips on Lukinski.de: From real estate as an investment by renting to asset management to saving taxes with real estate (external). Everything free of charge from the expert.

Tip! Overview Wealth Building XXL – Book, Video, Tips & Tricks

If you want to build up private wealth and create financial reserves, there are a few things you should keep in mind. In addition to the tips you get in this article, you might also be interested in our extensive overview page. There you will find an overview of articles, as well as book and video tips with successful and helpful books and videos on the subject of wealth accumulation – including tips and tricks from professionals and experts.

• Book & Video Tips Overview: Wealth Creation XXL

Understanding retirement planning

Everyone knows by now that you should save for your old age. We want you to be able to decide for yourself what is best for you. Without rip-offs from brokers and banks, but for that you must first understand how it all works. Don’t worry, it’s not that difficult.

Retirement planning needs: How much do I need?

How much do I need to save for my old age provision in order to close my pension gap? How much can I expect from the state pension (net!)? Saidi shows you both a rough rule of thumb and a tool to work it out for yourself.

When to start preventive care?

Should you already be thinking about your old-age provision at 30? Of course! Joana met with an insurance advisor and received advice on the subject of tied and untied old-age provision. But since she doesn’t want to know about disability and death just yet, she also has another offer in mind: Day trading.

Reasons for early retirement planning

Retirement planning at the age of 20? Isn’t that much too early? In the video you can see why it doesn’t hurt to start early with a pension.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KDSQbPmdNw

Wealth accumulation vs. retirement planning

Wealth accumulation or retirement planning? Isn’t that the same thing? Not really… Even though many people lump asset accumulation and retirement planning together, there are serious differences. And everyone should be aware of these. Only if you can separate asset accumulation and retirement planning from each other, it is possible to develop a suitable strategy for the respective topic. In the video, I explain what I consider to be the biggest differences between asset accumulation and retirement planning and why a combination of the two may make sense for you.

Pension mistake

Mistakes in old-age provision are avoidable. Nevertheless, most Germans make a lot of mistakes when it comes to retirement planning. But you don’t have to make these mistakes! This video explains the most common mistakes Germans make when it comes to retirement planning.

The pension system

How does the German pension system work and what options are there to provide for retirement? This and much more you will learn in this video!

The Riester pension

The Riester pension is probably the best-known old-age provision in Germany. How it works and what you have to consider is explained clearly in the following video.

Finding the right retirement plan: Comparison

Are you asking yourself: What is the best retirement plan for me? In this video, Saidi explains to you which forms of (private) pension provision are available and which is suitable for whom. Because this much is certain: The statutory pension will unfortunately not be enough …

Company pension scheme: Company pension

The aim of a well thought-out old-age provision is to be able to maintain the accustomed standard of living in old age. The statutory pension alone is usually not sufficient for this. Supplementary private and occupational pensions are necessary if people do not want to accept a reduction in their quality of life in old age. Swiss Life explains the advantages of occupational pension provision.

Is the company pension worth it?

When is a company pension worthwhile? Watch the video to find out whether your pension is worth it.

Private old-age provision

In this explanatory video, the necessity of private pension provision is explained. Using a practical example, the pension gap is calculated and the principle of the pension guarantee period is conveyed.

Errors in private pension provision

When it comes to retirement planning, there are a lot of things you can do wrong and it can quickly cost you a lot of money. The video takes up this topic and summarizes the 5 most important pitfalls and how you can avoid them.

Retirement provision for the self-employed

Secure and flexible – that’s what retirement provision for the self-employed should be. We have taken a closer look at the investment options available and the advantages and disadvantages they offer.

Alternative retirement provisions: Real estate

Real estate as an ingenious retirement provision – inflation-protected, stable in value and high-yield. Let third parties pay for your asset accumulation! Real value beats monetary value! The better alternative to saving in monetary assets. See here simply explained which advantages have saving in real estates opposite savings contracts, life insurances, pension insurances and other savings investments in monetary values.

Private old-age provision through real estate

Passive income from real estate for retirement!? How does it work? The do-it-yourself pension. This book is pure practice and structured as a workbook. A piece by piece guide to do the same as the two authors.

Shares as retirement provision

Want to learn more about stocks and stock trading? How to buy shares on the stock market as a beginner, or what an ETF is and how to analyze it?

Further links

We have more helpful video and book lists for you on topics that might interest you. Below are some helpful links for you.

Real estate financing

You want to buy a property but don’t know how to finance your dream? Terms like loan, interest, credit, repayment or building society contract only raise more questions for you? Here you will find all the important information on the subject of real estate financing: from financing with equity to financing without equity to applying for a loan, we cover all the important topics!

• Video tips on the subject of real estate financing
• Book recommendations on the subject of real estate financing

Tax return

Why, why, why are tax returns so important? Not only professionals, but also students or pensioners can benefit from a tax return. If you have never deducted anything from your taxes and have no previous knowledge, you can get super informed in our tax return guide. We show you tips and tricks on how to avoid mistakes and provide you with tutorials that will help you with your first or next tax return. If you want to know even more, then we have a great article on the tax basics: income, sales & Co.

• Video tips on the subject of tax returns
• Book recommendations on the subject of tax returns

Buying real estate

With our book and video list on buying real estate, you can’t go wrong with your next real estate purchase. Our book tips cover all topics from the right inspection to the closing and the possible resale. What do you have to pay attention to? How do you finance your purchase? How do you evaluate a property? And how do you conclude the contract? You will find the answers here.

• Video tips on buying real estate
• Book recommendations on the subject of buying real estate

Successful investing

Successful investing is a dream of many people. But unfortunately, it is not as easy as it seems. How can you start as a beginner in the investment industry? What do you have to consider and which mistakes should you try to avoid? What is worth investing in? And what does the term “investment” mean anyway? We present you the best books on the subject of investment!

• Video tips on the subject of investment
• Book recommendations on the subject of investment

Advisor Wealth Accumulation XXL: Finance, Investment & Co.

Who wouldn’t like to build up their own assets? Whether you want to be able to afford something or would like to generate a financial buffer for old age, asset accumulation is a relevant and, above all, sensible topic for virtually everyone. But what options are there for building up assets? Life insurance, retirement planning, or investing in real estate? Here you will find an overview of articles, as well as book and video recommendations on the subject of asset building. From saving taxes to passive income to tips on successful investing – experts and professionals share their know-how in their videos and readings and answer all questions about wealth accumulation.

• Book and Video Tips: Wealth Building XXL

Retirement planning: avoid mistakes and follow tips

Here you will find everything important around the topic of retirement planning. With our book recommendations, you can really get smart and avoid mistakes when concluding the pension.

Here’s another tip for you (external). What’s the best way to protect yourself from poverty in old age due to low pensions? The answer is: turning taxes into assets. Tax avoidance means building knowledge yourself. Online you can find a lot of (free) articles and tips on Lukinski.de: From real estate as an investment by renting to asset management to saving taxes with real estate (external). Everything free of charge from the expert.

Tip! Overview Wealth Building XXL – Book, Video, Tips & Tricks

If you want to build up private wealth and create financial reserves, there are a few things you should keep in mind. In addition to the tips you get in this article, you might also be interested in our extensive overview page. There you will find an overview of articles, as well as book and video tips with successful and helpful books and videos on the subject of wealth accumulation – including tips and tricks from professionals and experts.

• Book & Video Tips Overview: Wealth Creation XXL

Private pension provision: Individual pension needs & financial roadmap

Rating: 4.5 / 5.0 (8 ratings)

Closing the pension gap. Every year, the Finanztest experts test more than 10,000 products relating to the topic of retirement provision. Make more of your money – despite low interest rates. This guide shows you which investments you can use to build up a comfortable financial cushion even in times of low interest rates. Determine your individual pension needs and develop your personal financial roadmap.

• Personal roadmap: How to get to the optimal pension plan step by step.
• Statutory pension: What you can get out of it for yourself.
• Pension provision with state assistance: Which offers are worthwhile – and which are not.
• Private pension provision: How to find top providers – practical examples: Which investments fit your life situation.
• Buy at Amazon

Retirement planning for dummies

Ratings: 4.6 / 5.0 (61 ratings)

Old-age provision – a topic that is often suppressed but is nevertheless important. How long will I have to work? And will I be sufficiently provided for? These are questions that everyone has to deal with sooner or later. But there is hardly any other topic where there is more confusion and uncertainty, and very few people enjoy the subject. Have you also been putting off the subject for far too long? Or do you not know whether what you have already done is really profitable? This book is simple, understandable (without jargon) and offers you a clear and quickly implementable step-by-step guide. With a lot of humor, red thread and the best practical tips, you can use the book to develop a perfect retirement plan and a solid hedging concept in just a few hours.
Dieter Homburg creates clarity in this book, adresses the important problem of old-age provision and provides the reader with practically applicable knowledge, so that he can face the banking and insurance world and its not always attractive offers in a well-informed way.

• Buy at Amazon

Immocation – The do-it-yourself pension

Ratings: 4.4 / 5.0 (277 ratings)

Savings are worth less every day, the state pension will probably remain a drop in the ocean, and the usual forms of investment are not enough to even maintain one’s standard of living in old age. We all need passive income at some point in our lives – at the latest when we can no longer work or no longer want to. This book is a step-by-step guide to buying and renting a small apartment. In such a way that it works as an optimal financial investment.
It is aimed at beginners, requires little equity and no prior knowledge.
This book is also based on the experience of working with over 10,000 customers. With our startup immocation, we support people in buying an apartment as a financial investment – with the necessary knowledge and the right tools.

• We’ll show you how buying a small apartment changed our lives.
• We teach you all the basics about how an apartment works as an investment: What advantages this form of investment offers and what is true about the typical concerns about rental nomads, expenses and financing risks.
• We describe a search profile and search procedure to find worthwhile and future-proof apartments.
• We’ll show you how to put homes through their paces, evaluate and price them.
• We will help you to convince the bank of your plans.
• We prepare you for the notary appointment and the transfer of ownership.
• Buy at Amazon

Pensions explained simply: For successful retirement planning

Ratings: 4.6 / 5.0 (26 ratings)

You don’t want to be subject to old-age poverty later on? You want to get an insight into the topic of old-age provision with possible solutions? With a reading time of just under an hour, you will receive the most important information to take your old-age provision into your own hands. I would be pleased if you also start to deal with this important topic. Gladly also with the help of this guide.

• Buy at Amazon

The pension is safe: This is how safe our retirement provision really is!

Ratings: 4.8 / 5.0 (14 ratings)

Have you often wondered how much your pension will pay in the future and whether you will be able to make ends meet? Will the pension be enough? And is the pension really secure? Or do you have to make your own provisions, and if so, which ones and how much?
The legal situation and the possibilities for retirement are not easy to understand and it is not really made public how the actual state of affairs is. Especially on the subject of pensions and retirement planning there are many smoke candles and the uncertainty of the people is palpable. This book should bring you the necessary enlightenment on the subject of pensions and retirement planning and show you your own way to a sufficient pension.

• Is the pension really safe?
• What about the pension funds?
• How much will your personal pension be in old age?
• What are the differences between pension and annuity?
• What’s the best way to provide for your old age?
• What additional options are there for topping up the pension?
• When can you retire?
• What is the tax position on pensions?
• Buy at Amazon

Financial independence for women

Ratings: 4.2 / 5.0 (43 ratings)

Many women today are financially on their own feet. But there are still those who rely on a “provider” and trust that the great love will last. But after a separation, women who have given up their jobs for the family often lose their financial basis. In the long run, they are even threatened with old-age poverty.
Helma Sick and Renate Schmidt call on women to recognize the need for their financial independence and to act accordingly. In this updated edition, they show what politics and business – and women themselves – need to change to enable them to better reconcile family and career.

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Understanding Retirement Planning, Stocks & ETFs

Ratings: 5.0 / 5.0 (5 ratings)

We hear it everywhere: our pension will not be sufficient if we do not make private provision. But how should we make provisions so that we can really enjoy our pension? Can we trust the banks and other financial advisors with their opaque financial products? Or are there simpler, cheaper and better solutions? So you’ll be able to take care of your own retirement planning with ease. Among other things, you will learn how to invest in a wide range of companies. This way you minimize your risk and maximize your return. You can achieve this even with small monthly amounts of money. It will be shown what high returns companies have generated in the last (up to 100 years) and how you can participate in these companies through ETFs (exchange traded funds).

• What stocks & ETFs are and how you can build a fortune with them
• What profits are possible when you invest for the long term
• How to make your money investment without much effort
• How financial advisors work and don’t give you the best advice in the process
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Further links

We have more helpful video and book lists for you on topics that might interest you. Below are some helpful links for you.

Tax return

Why, why, why are tax returns so important? Not only professionals, but also students or pensioners can benefit from a tax return. If you have never deducted anything from your taxes and have no previous knowledge, you can get super informed in our tax return guide. We show you tips and tricks on how to avoid mistakes and provide you with tutorials that will help you with your first or next tax return. If you want to know even more, then we have a great article on the tax basics: income, sales & Co.

• Video tips on the subject of tax returns
• Book recommendations on the subject of tax returns

Buying real estate

With our book and video list on buying real estate, you can’t go wrong with your next real estate purchase. Our book tips cover all topics from the right inspection to the closing and the possible resale. What do you have to pay attention to? How do you finance your purchase? How do you evaluate a property? And how do you conclude the contract? You will find the answers here.

• Video tips on buying real estate
• Book recommendations on the subject of buying real estate

Advisor Wealth Accumulation XXL: Finance, Investment & Co.

Who wouldn’t like to build up their own assets? No matter whether you want to be able to afford something or would like to generate a financial buffer for old age, asset accumulation is a relevant and, above all, sensible topic for virtually everyone. But what options are there for building up assets? Life insurance, retirement planning, or investing in real estate? Here you will find an overview of articles, as well as book and video recommendations on the subject of asset building. From saving taxes to passive income to tips on successful investing – experts and professionals share their know-how in their videos and readings and answer all questions about wealth accumulation.

• Book and Video Tips: Wealth Building XXL

Life insurance: Explanation

We’ll answer your questions:

• How does life insurance work?
• How useful is life insurance?
• Can you cash out your life insurance?
• What is the difference between term life insurance and endowment insurance?

For whom does life insurance make sense? By taking out a life insurance policy, you as a saver are not only providing for your own old age, you are also providing financial security for your family.

For whom does life insurance make sense?

Depending on the personal family and occupational status, different life insurance policies come into question.

• Young families – term life insurance if the main earner fails is provided for all
• Self-employed – endowment and term life insurance for family and any outstanding loans (company, property, etc.)
• Employee – endowment insurance with the advantage of asset accumulation (as a supplement to the later pension)

Private risk protection is indispensable for everyone who does not go through life completely alone. If you have children, a spouse or other close relatives, life insurance can provide protection. Even if you’re building a home or starting a business, you should make sure your loved ones are taken care of if the worst happens.

Why does this make sense? If you should die, your relatives can, for example, pay off the loan for the house or the children’s education can continue to be financed.

Advantages

• Capital Security
• Protection for surviving dependants in the event of death
• Asset accumulation (for endowment insurance)

The cost of the insurance you take out depends on your individual objective for cover and on the agreed term.

Tip! Due to the current low-interest phase, a unit-linked life insurance policy is recommended.

Interest rate development of life insurers

Here you can see the current interest rate of life insurers in Germany from 2000 to 2019.

Source: Statista

Let’s take a closer look at the key differences between the two types: Term and endowment life insurance.

Endowment life insurance: protection and asset accumulation

If you should reach a high age, you can save for later at the same time with a capital-forming life insurance.

With an endowment policy you can protect yourself or save money for old age, keyword retirement provision. A life insurance policy with a savings effect does both at the same time, is relatively inexpensive and yields a return.

It is ideal for you if you want to protect your surviving dependents or you want to build up assets for your old age. In addition, there are tax benefits for the life insurance but also some interest (albeit low for current new contracts).

• Endowment insurance is protection for surviving dependants
• It builds up assets for your old age (later payout)
• Costs: On average from 50 euros a month (600 euros a year).

Term life insurance: protection also for loans

With term life insurance, you can protect your loved ones above all. Term life insurance protects your next of kin financially in the event of your death. The conditions are affordable for everyone and are available on average from providers for as little as 2.30 euros – 2.85 euros / month.

Term life insurance is perfect for you if you want your survivors to be fully covered (example: purchased house, remaining debt must be paid in order not to lose the house). Tip. The term life insurance does not only cover the credit of a real estate, all credits and loans are secured by it.

• Costs: On average from around 2.50 euros a month (30 euros a year) with 100,000 euros sum insured and 10-year contract term

Capital accumulation and disbursement

For those who see life insurance not only as risk protection but also as a financial investment, the conditions of the payout are of particular interest.

One of the most important facts when it comes to the later payout. The payout of the life insurance only has to be taxed slightly. This makes it particularly interesting for supplementing your own pension later on.

How much you get in the end depends on the individually concluded insurance. Parameters such as age, term, sum and health play a role. If you are a smoker, for example, you will pay a significantly higher premium than non-smokers.

How is the life insurance premium calculated?

1. Age at conclusion of contract
2. Term (especially for term life insurance)
3. Health
4. Sum insured

Statistics and interest

Premium income of life insurance companies

Looking back, here you can see the development of life insurance premium income in Germany from 1980 to 2018 (in millions of euros).

Source: Statista

Life insurers’ portfolio of contracts

Structure of the contract portfolio in life insurance in Germany from 1990 to 2018 by type of insurance.

Source: Statista

Current interest

Here you can see the current interest rate of life insurers in Germany from 2000 to 2019.

Source: Statista

Interest rate development of life insurers

Current interest without terminal bonus and participation in valuation reserves | Source: Assekurata (as of February 2019)

Most economical insurers – comparison

These are the most thrifty German life insurers according to the share of acquisition and administrative costs in premiums written in 2009.

Source: Statista

Most expensive insurers – comparison

Here you can see the most expensive German life insurers according to the share of acquisition and administrative costs in premiums written in 2009.

Source: Statista