Blog
Know-how on early retirement
The bridge phase, pensions and taxes — the mechanics of Swiss early retirement, clearly explained.
AHV
5 min
Drawing or deferring the AHV pension: what pays off?
The AHV can be drawn early from 63 or deferred until 70. Early draw cuts the pension permanently; deferral increases it. When is which variant worth it?
01 July 2026
Basics
7 min
The 4% rule: foundation of FIRE — and where Switzerland diverges
The 4% rule is the most-cited principle in FIRE. It comes from US data — Swiss investors must factor in wealth tax, CHF inflation and the bridge phase.
01 July 2026
Strategies
6 min
Barista-FIRE in Switzerland: how a part-time job eliminates the wealth-based AHV
A small employment income in early retirement sounds like a compromise — but in Switzerland it is a tax turbo: it eliminates the wealth-based AHV contribution entirely.
30 June 2026
Basics
8 min
Early retirement in Switzerland: the complete guide
Early retirement in Switzerland means more than 'enough money'. Bridge capital, AHV contributions, Pensionskasse timing and taxes all have to work together.
28 June 2026
Pensionskasse
7 min
Pensionskasse: capital, pension or a mix?
When you draw your Pensionskasse you decide, once, between a lifelong pension, capital — or a mix. The choice shapes taxes, flexibility and security for the rest of your life.
23 June 2026
AHV
6 min
AHV contributions for the non-employed: the underestimated cost of early retirement
Stop working and you still pay AHV — based on wealth. For wealthy early retirees that can be up to CHF 26,500 per person per year.
16 June 2026
Taxes
5 min
Drawing Säule 3a in stages: how to break the tax progression
The lump-sum withdrawal tax is progressive and is calculated each year on the total withdrawal. Closing several 3a accounts in different years costs significantly less.
09 June 2026
Basics
6 min
The bridge phase: the gap between early retirement and your pension
Stop working before 58–65 and you have to bridge a gap before Säule 3a, Pensionskasse and AHV kick in. What this bridge phase costs — and how much capital it really takes.
02 June 2026