Well-structured pension assets strengthen your financial future and create order throughout all phases of your life. This includes, in particular, vested benefits assets from occupational pension provision and pillar 3a from private pension provision. Clear planning protects your saved capital, facilitates transitions in your career and life and opens up opportunities that match your personal future goals.
The components of the pension assets
The Swiss pension system is based on the three-pillar principle. Pension assets that can be actively managed are particularly relevant for individual planning – these include vested benefits assets within the occupational pension plan (2nd pillar) and Pillar 3a assets from the private pension plan.
Vested benefits assets – the most important transitional pillar of your occupational benefit scheme
The vested benefit assets are created from your accumulated occupational pension capital (pension fund) and are retained in full if you change employer. They form the central basis for continuity and protection of your previous pension entitlements.
Key points on vested benefits
- Definition: accumulated pension capital from the pension fund
- Legal basis: Freedom of Movement Act with clear rules for transferring and receiving the freedom of movement allowance
- Custody: held as vested benefits money in a vested benefits account or with a vested benefits institution
- Distinction from pillar 3a: The assets arise exclusively from occupational pension provision, while pillar 3a is used for private pension provision
Pillar 3a – the tax-privileged part of private pension provision
Pillar 3a supplements the statutory pension system and offers additional tax advantages. It is set up individually, regardless of changes of employer, and is based on your personal savings and investment strategy.
Key points on pillar 3a
- Purpose: private pension provision to supplement AHV and pension fund
- Advantages: tax-privileged savings
- Flexibility: choice between account solution or securities solution
- Reference: linked to defined life events (e.g. home ownership, retirement)
When do vested benefits or pillar 3a assets arise? – Typical life situations
- Change of job, time out or termination: Your previous pension entitlement remains intact and is transferred as vested benefits.
- Emigration or moving abroad: The pension capital remains and follows you to a suitable vested benefits solution.
- Early retirement or self-employment: the existing pension assets are managed separately and remain clearly structured.
- Separation or divorce with pension division: The division leads to separate vested benefits assets, each corresponding to the personal pension situation.
The various situations show how strongly vested assets are linked to your personal life decisions. Your assets give you more stability if your professional or personal path changes.
Situations relating to pillar 3a
Pillar 3a is not created by life events – it is built up consciously and individually. It offers advantages such as tax optimization, long-term wealth accumulation and the supplementation of pension benefits.
How Point Capital supports you in planning your pension assets
Point Capital takes all components of your pension assets into account, with a particular focus on vested pension assets, as these often remain unused or are not properly structured. Our advice integrates professional, private and financial aspects into a holistic pension concept.
Independent analysis of your current pension situation
Recording of all relevant values such as
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- Income
- Pension fund
- Pillar 3a/3b
- Existing vested benefits
- Real estate
- Cash and cash equivalents
Recommendation of suitable freedom of movement solutions
Elaboration of clear variants with a view to:
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- Account/custody account management and structure of pension assets
- Regulations on purchase, transfer and long-term planning
- Tax implications and time planning steps
Integration into your overall financial planning
Embedding the vested pension assets in:
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- Liquidity planning
- Pension and retirement models
- Asset structure and future scenarios
- Coordination of vested benefits assets and pillar 3a
Common mistakes when dealing with pension assets and how to avoid them
A clear structure and professional asset management protect your pension assets from wrong decisions. Many mistakes affect vested benefits assets in particular, as they are often left unstructured.
Typical errors
- Loss of purchasing power due to zero interest: Vested benefits assets remain unstructured in interest-free accounts for years and lose value in real terms.
- Inappropriate risk structure for investments: An uncoordinated focus leads to fluctuations that do not match the personal life plan.
- No coordination with retirement goals: Without clear planning, the result is a retirement path that creates gaps and uncertainties.
Plan with foresight and make sensible use of vested pension assets
Point Capital supports you in structuring your pension assets – in particular your vested benefits assets – in a clear and future-oriented manner. This creates a stable, comprehensible and tax-optimized pension path.
Your advantages
- Clarity about existing pension entitlements and future financial planning
- Structured decisions instead of isolated individual measures
- Optimal coordination of vested benefits assets and pillar 3a-independent, forward-looking support for your entire pension path
FAQ on vested pension assets
Can you have several vested benefits accounts for your vested benefits assets?
Several vested benefits accounts are possible and sensible. This creates a clear structure for withdrawal, planning and tax coordination. This division supports the long-term pension path.
Can I invest my vested benefits or 3a assets?
Yes, both types of assets can be invested, depending on the solution. The investment structure depends on the risk profile, life planning and legal requirements.
How do I withdraw vested benefits assets if I move abroad?
The withdrawal of vested benefits depends on the destination country and its tax regulations. The payment of the money is subject to fixed legal requirements and requires careful planning. Point Capital structures this process precisely and strengthens your overview.
How are my pension assets transferred if I change employer?
The capital already saved is transferred in full to a vested benefits institution. This transfer enables a smooth transition and protects your previous pension entitlements. Your pension assets therefore remain clearly allocated.
When does vested benefit arise in the event of divorce or separation?
Vested benefits arise as soon as pension entitlements are divided between the parties involved. The new allocation of vested benefits follows legal requirements and creates separate pension paths.
