Pension planning for young adults: Why you should start now
Now in summer, many young adults are finishing their apprenticeships, starting university, or taking up their first permanent job. A new chapter in life is beginning, and understandably, pension planning is not at the top of many people’s lists. Yet this is exactly the ideal moment to set the course for the future. When it comes to retirement planning, time is the greatest lever: those who start early have to set aside less per month and still end up with more. We show you what matters and the best way to start.
The Swiss pension system: three pillars
Pension provision in Switzerland is based on three pillars. Together, they ensure that you are financially secure in old age, but also in the event of disability or death. Each pillar has a different task, and for one of them, starting early is particularly worthwhile for you.
Pillar 1 – AHV: State-run and mandatory. It secures the minimum subsistence level in old age, and contributions are deducted monthly directly from your salary. From January 1st after your 17th birthday and as soon as you are gainfully employed, you pay in automatically – you don’t have to do anything.
Pillar 2 – Pension fund (LPP/BVG): This is managed via your employer as soon as your annual salary exceeds the entry threshold of CHF 22,680 (as of 2026). Together with the AHV, it is intended to maintain your accustomed standard of living. Important to know: In the pension fund, your retirement capital only starts building up from the year you turn 25 – before that, however, you are already insured against disability and death. So, especially in your first years of work, you aren’t yet saving that much for old age here.
Pillar 3a – tied private pension: Pillar 3a is voluntary and gives you significantly more flexibility than the 1st and 2nd pillars. You decide for yourself if, when, and how much you pay in – up to the annual maximum amount of CHF 7,258 (as of 2026), provided you are affiliated with a pension fund. The prerequisite is an earned income subject to AHV contributions. Because contributions are tax-privileged and assets can be built up over the long term, starting early is particularly worthwhile. However, it is important to note: Pillar 3a is tied, so the money is not freely available at all times.
The best way to get started
In the first and second pillars, much happens automatically. Especially when you are young, you can take an active role yourself, particularly with Pillar 3a. Specifically, this means: you open a 3a solution with a bank, a digital pension platform, or an insurance company and start with an amount that suits your situation. This doesn’t have to be 7,258 francs a year. Even 50 francs a month is a solid start – set up via standing order, your pension planning almost runs itself.
The important thing is: money in Pillar 3a is tied and not freely available at all times. Therefore, it makes sense to first build up a small cushion for unforeseen events that you can access at any time. Whether a classic 3a account, a securities solution, or an insurance solution is right for you depends on your income, your investment horizon, your need for security, and your flexibility. A non-binding consultation from simply will help you find the right solution.
Why starting early pays off twice
If you opt for a securities solution, your 3a capital is invested over many years and thus has time to develop in the long term. A simple example: if you set aside 50 francs every month from the age of 20, this money has around 45 years until retirement. Those who only start at 35 not only have fewer years to pay in, but also less time for the invested money to grow. To reach a similar final capital, the monthly contribution would therefore have to be significantly higher. So it’s not just how much you pay in that’s decisive, but also how early you start.
There is also a second advantage: what you pay into Pillar 3a can be deducted from your taxable income up to the legal maximum. Even small, regular amounts can thus lower your tax bill every year – in addition to saving for old age. How high these tax savings are depends on your income and where you live.
Get a non-binding consultation now
Which pension plan suits you depends on your personal situation. In a non-binding pension consultation, simply will show you personally or via video where you stand today, what options you have, and which next step makes sense for you.
Note: The content is of a general nature and does not constitute individual investment, tax, or pension advice. Securities solutions involve risks; the value can fluctuate. A personal consultation is decisive for your situation.
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