Hi Everyone! I am searching for an independent advisor who can review my finances and pension status and tell me where I am currently, and what do I need to ensure that I have a decent income when I retire (I am 48yo). I’ve tried talking to a couple of folks, but all I get is someone selling me various investment solutions. After a couple of bad experiences, that resulted in lost money, I just want a honest review and possible solutions, without feeling coerced into an activity with them. Many thanks for any recommendation and Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays!
the very limited experience I have in this regard was with Ansprechpartner - SFSC - Swiss Finance Service Center after they did some general finance seminars through ETH. I perceived them as quite professional and knowledgeable, although we were not talking about pension planning at this time. They do offer that.
The one thing that made me walk away was that they systematically pushed 3rd pillar life insurance products to academic personell (PhDs, PostDocs, Students) through this channel. One of those cases is described in detail here. People from that target group very likely leave the country after a few years, so these (already borderline scam products) are especially bad for them.
When confronted about this, they became extremely defensive, and we never interacted again.
The “Lehrmeinung” says you should look for an advisor paid by the hour, but i have yet to find one that won’t converge to selling stuff.
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Maybe here?
They are pro and independent from insurances and banks.
https://www.vermoegenszentrum.ch/fr/prevoyance/vz-analyse-de-prevoyance
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They have their own bank and their own investment solutions, some of which are (or at least were) relatively heavy on fees, not much better than traditional banks. Depending on what kind of consultation you have, they push you towards their own solutions. So I don’t consider them independent.
Maybe it would be possible to get a consultation that essentially ignores VZ’s own solutions and they certainly do offer financial planning, they don’t only sell their own products. However, based on my experience (nearly 10 years ago) I would at least be very cautious and not generally recommend it.
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You pay for financial advice, either via fees or via the products. If you don’t see the price, then you are probably paying too much. If you pay a fee, the adviser could still get a kickback.
I would go to these guys if I needed paid advice (apparently CHF 210/hour). They (Florian Schubiger) often advertise by providing analysis for media. They declare to forward kickbacks to clients, as they must if they do not contract with you to keep them. I have no affiliation with them.
My recommendation, however, is to read the Reglement of your Pensionskasse and ask your questions here. At worst, you are better prepared for the advisor meeting. Best case is that you understand the issues well enough to not need one.
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This is also the experience of a relative of mine. Their acclaimed independence does provide more choice but usually not so many financial advantages.
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I consulted with Vermögens Partner and liked what I got.
It’s not cheap, though.
I worked with Carlo Picecchi (who now works for a different company) who I experienced as very competent.
Mr Picecchi now also offers private independent consulting (not via his new company) which is probably more tailored and likely also cheaper. If you’re interested in the latter DM me for his private email address.
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My wife and I were clients of this company a while ago.
They’re paid by the hour and they were not pushing any products on us.
The advisor we had isn’t there anymore, but you could give them a call.
He did a thorough analysis of our situation and gave very useful and actionable advice that has saved us a ton of money.
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Thanks everyone for the leads! Merry Christmas!