State pensions are not enough. Private pension insurance is expensive and opaque. ETF-based retirement planning is the most cost-effective and highest-return alternative — and you can set it up in 30 minutes.

The Pension Problem in Numbers

Average state pension 2026: approximately 1,550 euros gross (men), 1,100 euros (women)
Pension level: approximately 48% of last net income — trending downward
Pension gap: The difference between what you need and what you get. Typically: 500-1,500 euros per month.

Why ETFs Instead of Pension Insurance?

Costs

Private pension insurance: 1.5-3% annual costs. Over 30 years you lose 30-50% of potential returns to costs.
ETF savings plan: 0.1-0.3% TER. Over 30 years you save tens of thousands.

Returns

Classic pension insurance: Guaranteed rate 0.25% (2026). Real (after inflation) you lose money.
ETF savings plan (MSCI World): 7-9% historically before costs

Flexibility

Insurance: Cancellation expensive, money only available from age 62/67
ETF depot: Available anytime, no cancellation costs, flexible withdrawal

The ETF Pension Plan in 4 Steps

Step 1: Calculate Pension Gap

Desired net income in retirement minus expected state pension = gap. Example: 2,500 desired minus 1,500 state = 1,000 euro gap per month.

Step 2: Calculate Required Capital

Gap x 12 months x 25 (4% rule) = required capital. 1,000 x 12 x 25 = 300,000 euros.

Step 3: Calculate Monthly Savings Rate

At 8% return and 30 years, you need approximately 200 euros monthly for 300,000 euros.

Step 4: Set Up Savings Plan

70% MSCI World + 30% MSCI EM as base. Automatic savings plan. Done.

The Withdrawal Phase

From retirement, withdraw 3.5-4% per year. Bucket strategy: 2 years expenses in cash (buffer for market crises), rest in ETFs.

Bottom Line: An ETF savings plan of 200-400 euros monthly, consistently maintained over 25-30 years, completely closes the pension gap — at costs that are a fraction of any insurance.