Money check at 40

Your financial half-time check at 40:

1. Portfolio status

• Have you saved/invested at least 3 times your annual net income?
• With €40,000 net: at least €120,000 in total assets
• If not: increase your savings rate NOW – only 25 years left until 65

2. Calculate your pension gap

• Read your pension information letter: how much will you get?
• How much do you need? (80% of your last net income)
• A gap? Increase your ETF savings plan

3. Property decision

• Buy or rent? From 40 the decision becomes more urgent
• 20 years until retirement = just about enough for a loan

4. Will + lasting power of attorney

• Now at the latest – especially with children or property
• Cost: €0 (handwritten) to €300 (notary)

5. Optimise insurance

• Insurance check: do I still need everything? Can I switch?
• Look into supplementary long-term care insurance (gets more expensive the older you get)

6. Start succession planning

• Use gift tax allowances (€400,000 per child every 10 years)
• Start early = transfer more tax-free