Private saving starts not with a product but with a number: what gap to close. Salespeople sell the product without calculating your gap — do it the other way. Calculate the gap, prioritise buffer and debt, then choose the tool in the next steps.
Saving: Calculating the Gap
The state pension is usually about half of your last net salary. The difference from your retirement spending is the gap: calculate it honestly first, then choose the tool.
✓ Verified: 18/07/2026
WHAT TO DO
› Details and tips
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Max recommends:
The forecast from my statement scared me — but calculated, 150 € a month from now closes it. The panic went the moment I had a concrete figure.
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Lea recommends:
Do not buy a pension product before the 3–6 month buffer is in place. Otherwise the next car repair forces a loss-making early withdrawal.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How small is the state pension? ▾
The pension level is around 48% of average pre-tax earnings; net, many get about half their last salary. With a short German record even less.
What amount should I start with? ▾
Even 50–100 € a month from age 30 becomes substantial capital over decades via compound interest. Starting early beats high contributions.
Saving or debt first? ▾
Pay off expensive consumer debt (10%+) and build a buffer first: saving at 5% while paying 10% on debt is a loss. Saving comes next.