3 key takeaways from the Techspace x Amplifier Effect - Nov 11 - Pensions in Germany
Part of the 'Building Wealth in Germany' series.
→ Written by Kelly Chung, Amplifier Effect
When I first moved to Germany, I thought building a pension would be as simple as opening a savings account.
I couldn’t have been more wrong.
After hosting our Building Wealth in Germany event, here are the three biggest lessons that completely changed how I think about retirement here, and what every woman living in Germany should know:
1️⃣ Start as early as possible, even at birth.
If you’re a parent in Germany, you can actually start investing in a pension for your child from the moment they’re born.
It sounds wild, but it’s true, and it comes with incredible tax advantages.
If your parents did this for you, amazing. If not, now’s your turn to pass that gift on.
2️⃣ Understand that Germany’s pension system is not one system.
Unlike in the U.S., where you might know the 401(k) or Roth IRA, Germany’s pension world is a maze of options: Riester, Rürup, company pensions, and private pensions.
Some you can’t open alone, like company pensions that must go through your employer.
Others require a licensed pension broker. You can’t just DIY them.
That’s why learning in community matters. One conversation can clarify what hours of Googling won’t.
3️⃣ The public pension will not be enough.
On average, retirees in Germany get back only 40% of what they contributed.
That gap is growing because the population is shrinking, which means fewer workers supporting more retirees.
And for women, the picture is even tougher. Career breaks and part-time work often lead to fewer contribution years, which means smaller pensions.
If we rely solely on the state, we risk financial insecurity later in life.
These three lessons are why I’m so passionate about financial education for women in Germany.
Because once you see how the system works, you realise that the earlier you start, the more freedom you create for your future self.
When women understand money, we don’t just build wealth.
We build confidence, independence, and community.
That’s the Amplifier Effect. 💫
(This post is for educational purposes only and not financial advice. Please speak with a certified financial advisor before making any investment or pension decisions.)
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