Retirement Planning and Financial Strategy: How to Secure Your Income and Assets
“Je früher Sie planen, desto mehr Spielraum haben Sie. Heute vorsorgen bedeutet morgen frei entscheiden.”
Pensionierungsexperte
veröffentlicht am
26. May 2026
Key Points at a Glance
Proper preparation for retirement requires a solid retirement and financial plan. This plan serves to detail the evolution of expenses, income, and assets up until retirement and for the years that follow. Such a plan provides the necessary foundation for making informed financial decisions and maintaining your current standard of living in the long term.
The Key Elements of Retirement Planning
A comprehensive retirement and financial plan outlines various scenarios to illustrate the long-term implications of financial decisions. A key aspect here is comparing the receipt of a monthly pension fund annuity with a one-time lump-sum payout of retirement savings. This comparison helps determine the optimal balance between annuity payments and lump-sum withdrawals.
Furthermore, the planning process reveals which assets are not immediately needed to secure short-term income. Such available funds can be specifically invested for the long term to generate a higher return.
Factors to Consider: Life Expectancy and Inflation
When preparing a financial plan, statistical life expectancy serves as an important benchmark for the time horizon. A 65-year-old man today has an average remaining life expectancy of about 20 years, while women of the same age live, on average, about three years longer.
A factor that is often underestimated is inflation, which erodes the purchasing power of money over the years and thus increases the need for income. Assuming an annual inflation rate of 2 percent, a current monthly need of 5,000 Swiss francs will rise to 6,100 Swiss francs in ten years and to nearly 7,500 Swiss francs after 20 years. If income does not rise at the same rate, the income gap will steadily widen. While the AHV typically adjusts its pensions every two years, many pension funds generally do not compensate for inflation, or do so only partially.
Structure and Security of the Retirement and Financial Plan
A detailed retirement and financial plan compares expected income with projected expenses. Income typically includes AHV pensions as well as pensions from the pension fund. On the expense side, living costs, housing costs including mortgage interest, and taxes must be taken into account.
To avoid jeopardizing your financial security, the following points should be considered:
- Realistic assumptions: Avoid overly optimistic projections regarding returns or cost trends.
- Plan for reserves: Factor in a buffer for unforeseen expenses or an above-average lifespan.
- Regular review: Adjust the plan if your family circumstances, housing situation, or legal framework change.
Case Study: Retirement and Financial Plan for a Married Couple
A married couple (both aged 65) is planning their transition to retirement and wants to estimate how their income, expenses, and assets would develop over the long term. While fixed income such as pensions remains relatively stable, the cost of living rises moderately over time. At the same time, a portion of the assets is specifically drawn down to cover the income gap. This simplified example illustrates how the financial situation evolves over several decades and what role existing assets play in this process.
Assumptions at a glance:
- Moderate inflation in the cost of living
- Constant pension income (AHV and pension fund)
- Partial depletion of assets to cover the shortfall
- Real estate value remains stable, mortgage remains unchanged
Independent Advice as a Key to Success
If you have any uncertainties regarding your planning, it is advisable to seek professional assistance from specialized advisors. It is important to ensure that the advice is independent to avoid conflicts of interest arising from product-related commissions.
Addressing budget planning and tax considerations early on can significantly improve your disposable income in retirement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When will the 13th AHV pension be paid out for the first time?
The first payment will be made in December 2026 to all individuals who are receiving a regular old-age pension that month.
Do IV pensioners also receive a 13th pension?
No, recipients of a disability pension are not entitled to the 13th pension. However, as soon as the IV pension is converted into a retirement pension upon reaching the reference age, they become entitled to the additional payment.
What is the maximum AHV pension for married couples?
Pensions for married couples are capped. Together, spouses receive a maximum of 150% of the maximum single pension, which in 2026 corresponds to an amount of 3,780 Swiss francs per month. The 13th AHV pension will be added to this starting in 2026.
Do I need to apply for the AHV pension?
Yes, the pension is not paid out automatically. It is recommended that you submit your application to the relevant compensation office approximately six months before reaching the reference age.