You probably spent more time than was enjoyable thinking about your finances when you moved country, so it’s easy to assume that there can’t be anything else left to plan. But there’s one important topic that many people put off until it’s too late: retirement planning.
Whether you plan to stay in Germany long-term or not, having a clear retirement plan is essential. The earlier you start, the better prepared you’ll be for a secure and comfortable future.
Kerstin Brunner is a fee-based financial consultant, and she explains five important things to consider when starting your retirement planning.
1. The best time to start? Between 35 and 40
Many people assume they can think about retirement “later.” But if you wait too long, you may not have enough time to reach your financial goals.
Between the ages of 35 and 40 is the ideal time to get serious about your retirement plan. Why?
- You’ve likely settled into your career and have a stable income.
- You may have a better understanding of your future goals.
- And most importantly, you still have enough time to grow your savings and investments over the years ahead.
Starting in this age range gives you the advantage of time, which is one of the most powerful tools in financial planning. Are you younger or older than 35+? No worries! Simply start when you are able to.
2. You need a plan - and clear goals
Retirement doesn’t just happen - you build it! A strong retirement plan begins with clear goals. Do you want to retire early? Or want to move to another country? Maintain a certain lifestyle? Your plan should reflect your unique situation and long-term vision.
Kerstin can support you in defining:
- When you want to retire: It’s important to be clear about what it means to get retired sooner or later, especially in perspective to your income situation in retirement.
- Where and how you want to live: This includes what kind of lifestyle you want in retirement and which income you’ll need each month to support that life.
- Your projected income: A clear income and spending overview helps you understand what you can expect from existing pension and savings plans.
With this clarity in place, you will build a step-by-step strategy to get you nearer to your goals.
3. All the pieces must work together
Retirement planning is like a puzzle. All the pieces need to fit together. That includes the following topics:
- Investments: Choosing the right investment strategy based on your goals, risk level, and time horizon. This is important to give you peace of mind and your money the option to work best for you.
- Pension planning: Understanding the German public pension system (Deutsche Rentenversicherung), private pension options, and which payments you can expect from different country pension systems, like your home country’s system.
- Income and expenses: Know what you earn and spend now, and how that will change in retirement. Keep in mind: lifelong expenses must be covered by lifelong income!
- Healthcare and insurance: Planning for medical costs and long-term care needs in retirement is a very important topic and not one to neglect! Plan early before a care situation or an unexpected death takes place.
- Tax planning: Being smart about how your savings and income will be taxed now and later.
All these topics are connected. A change in one area can affect the others. That’s why it’s so important to work with an expert to get a coordinated plan that brings everything together in one clear picture.
4. You don’t have to figure it out alone
As an expat in Germany, the financial system might seem complicated, with its myriad of different tax laws, pension rules and savings products. On top of that, important documents and decisions are often in German.
That’s another area in which Kerstin Brunner can help. She specialises in supporting expats like you:
- Understand the German system: She acts as a bridge over gaps in language and knowledge, and is on your side to help with explanations and wording. Working with her gives you peace of mind that you understand the system and can make suitable decisions.
- Integrate different country benefits: Most expats have spent time in different countries and paid pension contributions in each one. Kerstin Brunner can help you find out what you can expect from all the pensions you’ve paid into.
- Make smart decisions across borders: You don’t know yet if you want to stay in Germany forever? No worries! She will build a flexible plan for you, taking into account all your possible circumstances.
- Plan with clarity and confidence: Planning for your retirement is an ongoing process. It doesn’t stop after a few sessions. You are invited to work regularly on your plan, especially when changes occur in your life.
Whether you’re just getting started or want to improve your existing plan, Kerstin Brunner offers guidance tailored to your life as an international professional in Germany.
5. Start today with a free clarification call
You don’t have to know all the answers right now. You just need to take the first step.
Take the opportunity of a free, no-obligation initial clarification call where she’ll:
- Review your current situation
- Identify key opportunities and risks
- Answer your questions regarding your future collaboration
- Outline your next steps
This conversation is all about you: your goals, your lifestyle, your future.
Are you ready to take control of your future?
Planning your retirement might feel overwhelming, especially in a foreign country. But with the right support, it can be simple, clear, and even exciting.
Visit Kerstin Brunner’s website today and book your free clarification call. Your future self will thank you.