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Many people dream of ending their employee status to become self-employed – but are fearful of insecurity and financial bottlenecks. But it needn't be like that.
The step into the alleged "unknown" inevitably raises existential questions. Do I have enough startup capital? The orders are coming in today, but what if they dry up? How can I save? And how do I provide for later in life? Stay calm. You can protect yourself and provide for the long term even if you are self-employed.
Here we explain how – and would like to give you the courage to realize your dreams! Here are the key points about self-employment, funding and Pillar 3.
When founding a company, you normally need startup capital to finance your plans. If, however, your savings are insufficient, you can make an advance withdrawal of your savings from Pillar 3a to take up self-employment (or even if switching to a different self-employed activity). Be aware that advance withdrawal is only possible within the first twelve months of becoming self-employed/changing your self-employed activity. In addition, the entire balance must be drawn; a partial withdrawal is not permitted.
Good news: In Switzerland, if self-employed, you are permitted to pay into Pillar 3a – which is not the case in all countries. This is a big advantage for you as founder of a business. Essentially, anyone who earns an income subject to AHV is permitted to make contributions. If you are not insured in a pension fund, you can pay 20% of your net earned income into Pillar 3a – up to a maximum of CHF 34,128 per year (status as at 2019). If you are insured in a pension fund, you can only pay a maximum of CHF 6,826 into Pillar 3a (status as at 2019). Many people believe that the comfortable situation of enjoying financial provision ends when you become self-employed – but this is untrue! Preferential saving for your pension can be continued – You just have to set the ball rolling yourself! An initial effort that is worthwhile!
It means you can save money. If you are self-employed and decide to pay into Pillar 3a, what does it mean for you and your finances?
When founding a company, the current order book is often foremost in your thoughts – which is understandable. How high are my earnings, is my business succeeding, am I making a profit? Topics concerning life's risks often take a back seat in the heat of entrepreneurial activity and dynamism. That doesn't make them less important, as they can impact anyone at any time. Here too, Pillar 3a can help: Risks such as disability and death can be co-insured. You should take advantage of this and be aware of your responsibilities, in other words protect yourself against these risks.
Generally speaking: Form a clear picture of your pension situation and don't forget to review it when your life circumstances change. Remember to save enough money for your old age. And don't put off preparations in case of disability or death.
Many aspiring entrepreneurs are often unaware that Pillar 3a can be used to support their businesses. Initially on startup to build the necessary capital. And subsequently to continue paying into Pillar 3a in self-employment. Its financial benefits can be applied now, i.e. considerable tax savings in your current life situation, but also later: because apart from financial provision and saving for retirement, you can also co-insure risks such as death and disability. Making it a win-win situation for the existing self-employed, as well as anyone wanting to take the step into self-employment.
Pillar 1 is designed to secure people's livelihood in old age, on disability (including occupational disability) or following a death.
Pillar 2 includes occupational benefits insurance, occupational accident insurance, daily sickness benefits insurance, and the vested benefits institutions. Pillar 2 aims to enable people to maintain their accustomed standard of living after retirement.
By making voluntary payments into tied pension provision (Pillar 3a) or flexible pension provision (Pillar 3b), you can close income gaps from Pillars 1 and 2 of the Swiss social system to the fullest extent possible.
Do you have any questions, or would you like a pension consultation? We are always there for you!
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