Retirement planning: It pays to start early
Whether you want to travel the world, buy a home or enjoy financial independence in later life – the sooner you start saving with the third pillar, the more you’ll be able to do in the future. The key point is not only how much you save, but when you start.
Third pillar: Why should I start to save early?
Many of us put off thinking about retirement planning, pensions and saving for the future. But that’s exactly what costs us money later. The sooner you start a pension plan, the easier it will be to achieve your goals.
The advantages for you
- It pays to start early: You’ll reach your goals and benefit from the compound interest effect.
- Small amounts are enough: Even a small amount of money each month can make a big difference.
- Saving and protection: Cover for death or loss of earning capacity.
- Save on taxes: Save through the third pillar and lower your tax bill.
Start today – and talk to an advisor. Our experts can show you how to achieve your goals with small amounts and avoid gaps in your finances in later life.
Sample calculation: How much difference does starting to save early really make?
Imagine you would like to get CHF 100,000 when you are 65. You save each month, at 2% interest.
| Starting age | Monthly savings amount | Amount at age 65 |
|---|---|---|
| Age 20 | CHF 115 | CHF 100'000 |
| Age 40 | CHF 260 | CHF 100'000 |
Time is your greatest advantage
If you start later, you’ll have to pay in twice as much – or miss out on achieving your goals. Speak to an advisor about how to reach your goal.
The third pillar made simple
In Switzerland, the third pillar is an important part of your private pension provision. There are two options:
- Pillar 3a: Tied pension plan; the money is reserved for retirement provision. You can pay in a maximum amount each year (CHF 7,258 in 2026) while saving on taxes. Your savings can only be paid out in advance in certain cases, like if you buy your own home.
- Pillar 3b: Flexible pension plan; the money is available at any time. You enjoy flexibility when it comes to saving and can close gaps in your pension provision.
Both options ensure you have more financial freedom in later life.
You benefit twice over with the CSS Pension Plan
You save regularly and make the most of tax advantages while also gaining protection against risks such as death or loss of earning capacity. The CSS Pension Plan keeps your family protected even if something happens to you.
If you start early, you’ll reap even more benefits. Your money will have more time to grow. The compound interest will have longer to take effect – and you’ll enjoy the tax advantages over many years. For you, that means more assets with less input. Make the most of the advantages offered by the third pillar – we’ll show you how.
Ready for the third pillar? – Your personal pension planning checklist
- Do I have a regular income?
- Do I want to go travelling or buy my own home in the future?
- Do I know what gaps I have in my pension provision?
- Am I making the most of tax advantages (e.g. pillar 3a)?
- Do I already have a pension plan or life insurance?
The more questions you answer with ‘yes’ the better. Is anything missing? Then it’s definitely worth seeking advice. Start now – so you can live a carefree life later on.
Common mistakes and myths about retirement provision
Many people believe that their pension fund is all they need – but that’s often not true. Others underestimate how much of a difference time and the compound interest effect make. Common mistakes are:
- starting too late
- relying on a smattering of knowledge
- not recognising gaps in provision
- not making the most of tax advantages
The consequences are: less money or unexpected gaps in later life. Talk to an advisor sooner rather than later and avoid costly mistakes.
CSS – your partner for pension provision
You know CSS as a reliable health partner. Now, we can also help with your pension planning. Here’s what we offer:
- one-to-one advice
- simple solutions
- everything under one roof
- products for every stage in life
FAQs about pension provision
The sooner you start, the more you’ll benefit from the compound interest effect. What’s more, you’ll save on taxes with pillar 3a. Some cantons also allow tax deductions for pillar 3b.
- Pillar 3a: In 2026, the maximum amount is CHF 7,258 for the year (if you have a pension fund).
- Pillar 3b: you're free to choose.
- Pillar 3a: Yes, for example, if you want to buy a home of your own, take up self-employment or emigrate.
- Pillar 3b: Yes, you can do this at any time.
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