Retirement: Preparing for the future with peace of mind

Written by Piguet Galland | Dec 19, 2025 3:48:14 PM

Retirement planning covers complex areas such as AVS, pensions, insurance, taxes, real estate, and portfolio management. Every individual has unique needs shaped by their goals and life path. Our 360° series answers your questions and provides personalised advice to help you prepare for this critical stage.

2024 marked a major change with the AVS reform, gradually raising the retirement age for women to 65. Starting in 2025, the age will increase by three months per year until 2028, when men and women will share the same reference age.

Consequently, women born between 1961 and 1969 will benefit from lifelong pension supplements as compensation, varying by birth year.

Changes can happen, but with proper retirement planning you can manage them and minimise their impact. It’s essential to carefully define your retirement date, whether you plan to retire early or extend your career. Create a budget to live comfortably and achieve your goals, ensuring your income will cover your expenses.

Start now: use a spreadsheet to list your monthly and annual expenses. This will give you a clear picture of your financial needs for retirement. Keep in mind that some work-related costs, like commuting and meals, will disappear, and insurance premiums may decrease slightly. However, supplemental health insurance will become more expensive as you age.

In the next episodes, we’ll dive into key aspects of retirement planning, including AVS, choosing between a pension or lump sum, tax implications, early retirement, mortgages, and expatriation. For now, let’s focus on the important dates that will help you prepare for your “dolce vita.”

Age groups and financial strategies

Age 30 to 45: Build your wealth early

Whether you’re in your 30s or 40s, start implementing smart savings strategies to secure your financial future. For example, in 2023, a 35-year-old resident of Lausanne earning CHF 70,000 can contribute up to CHF 7,056 to their Pillar 3a account. Contributing CHF 4,000 annually could save CHF 938 in taxes each year. Over time, consistent contributions until age 65 could result in CHF 100,000 saved plus CHF 42,615 in interest at 2.5%.

By using tools such as the third pillar, you can enjoy tax benefits while building wealth for the future.

Age 50 to 55: Optimise your pension plan

As you approach your fifties, retirement planning becomes critical. You have about 15 years after leaving the workforce to strengthen your financial security.

Optimise your occupational pension plan (Pillar 2) by requesting maximum contributions and filling any gaps through buy-ins.
Maximize contributions to your existing Pillar 3 accounts and build a financial reserve for unexpected expenses if you haven’t already.
Consider consulting a wealth management expert to get a comprehensive view of your financial situation and plan accordingly.

Five years before retirement: Make key decisions

Five years before retirement, several important decisions must be made to ensure a smooth transition into this new phase of life.

Set your retirement date and check with your pension fund on how you can receive your benefits, whether as an annuity or a lump sum. Carefully weigh the pros and cons of each option.
If you choose a lump-sum withdrawal, make sure to communicate your decision before the required deadline.
Plan tax optimization by considering pension buy-ins, especially if you opt for a lump-sum payout.
Review real estate strategy: decide whether to partially or fully amortize your mortgage and adjust the term accordingly.
Determine when you want to withdraw your Pillar 2 and Pillar 3 assets. Spreading withdrawals over several years could lead to significant tax savings.

It is also wise to review your financial situation and assess your overall wealth. Our team of experts is here to guide you and help you make the best decisions for your retirement.
Don’t hesitate to contact us.

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