PART-TIME WORK OR PAYING FOR CHILDCARE?

Is it worth working when you have kids? We asked ourselves the same question and, with the support of Zürcher Kantonalbank, did the math. Understanding the financial impact of life choices often leads to more sustainable decisions. Take five minutes to see what Lena (29), who is expecting her first child, has been thinking about this. 


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Become Financially Independent in 7 Steps

Do you have your finances under control? Our guide takes you step by step toward greater financial independence. The recommendations were developed in collaboration with finance expert Olga Miler from SmartPurse.

Step-by-step guide

  • 1. Get a clear overview of your financial situation: List your income, expenses, assets, and debts in detail, and create a budget and financial plan.

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  • 2. Set clear financial goals: Divide your money into four categories: emergency fund, short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals. Determine your investment potential and define a monthly amount to invest.

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  • 3. Increase your income through career planning and salary negotiations: Find out your market value using tools like Salarium or Glassdoor, strengthen your negotiation skills, and plan your career path with your manager.

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  • 4. Organize your finances as a couple through regular money dates: Create financial transparency and security, discuss goals and responsibilities, and finalize necessary contracts or insurance if needed, such as those covering shared caregiving responsibilities.

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  • 5. Take charge of your retirement planning: Review your AHV account and pension fund statement, and close any potential gaps in your coverage. Contribute to your 3rd pillar account if possible and take advantage of the tax benefits.

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  • 6. Build your wealth through strategic investing: Create an ETF portfolio tailored to your risk profile. Invest surplus funds and your monthly investment amount regularly, and establish passive income streams, such as dividend stocks.

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  • 7. Protect yourself against worst-case scenarios: Check how well you’re covered in case of death or disability. Review your pension fund statement to understand the benefits available in case of incapacity. Consider taking out income protection or term life insurance, especially if you have dependents.

APPS, SMART TOOLS, E-LEARNINGS, AND MUCH MORE

Discover valuable resources from Advance member companies and partner organizations that will help you stay financially independent. This is much easier than you might think! Take a look and click your way through! All educational assets are currently available in German. If you have any questions or feedback, please contact us by email.


A mobile phone where you see the SmartPurse App

Kickstart Your Financial Independence for Free With SmartPurse

Olga Miler and her team have made smart financial training accessible to everyone! With the FREE SmartPurse app, you can learn to invest, negotiate salaries, and plan for the future –  without any subscription, advertising or obligations.


SmartPurse App

Cash or Crash logo with Florence the cartoon character looking at a signpost

Test the Financial Impact of Your Decisions

Your decisions shape your life – today, tomorrow, and beyond! That is why it is important to plan wisely and deliberately. Cash or Crash is here to support you with a new smart tool!


Cash or Crash

Mobile phone featuring the ellexx App

Assess Your Investment Potential

Investing is a great idea, but do you have enough funds to start? Find out with the interactive and smart budget tool on the ellexx app. The basic version is free! You will also find numerous informative articles on women and finance. By the way, it is worthwhile to start investing with small amounts. The compound interest effect always pays off.


ellexx App

Word that says "Money Walk" in yellow on a black background

Learn More About Finance on the Money Walk!

Sandra-Stella Triebl from Ladies Drive teams up with four financial experts to stroll along Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse and discuss advanced financial topics. Watch the videos and gain valuable insights into stocks, bonds, risk and return, and much more.


Money Walk

Carmen and Jonas erklären das 3-Säulen-System

The 3-Pillar System: How Does It Work Again?

The occupational pension system in Switzerland is based on three pillars. Carmen and Jonas from the Swiss Pension Fund Association (ASIP) explain it briefly and crisply in three videos. Especially interesting for Gen Z and young people just starting their careers. Get fit for the Swiss pension system!


Generation Z – The 1st pillar of retirement provision

Generation Z – The 2nd pillar of retirement provision

Generation Z – The 3rd pillar of retirement provision

Let’s Close the Income Gap

The gender income gap in Switzerland is alarmingly high, with women earning 43% less than men during their working lives. In the event of a career break, the earnings gap can amount to one million francs. In this whitepaper, which we developed in collaboration with KPMG, we get to the bottom of this inequality and highlight concrete solutions to close the income gap.


Click here to download: Whitepaper (DE)

Childcare in Switzerland is expensive. However, it makes it possible to achieve professional and personal goals - without the long-term financial disadvantages that come with working part-time at less than 80%.
- Florence Schnydrig Moser, Head of Private Banking at Zürcher Kantonalbank

Financially Confident in Every Stage of Live

Zürcher Kantonalbank has provided us with five whitepapers containing essential financial knowledge for every stage of life. Read them depending on where you are in your life right now. The earlier you take your finances into your own hands, the more growth potential your capital will have. Share your insights with colleagues, friends, children, nieces, nephews, and more – it is worth it!

ZKB Whitepaper Career Entry

ZKB Whitepaper Career Entry

ZKB Whitepaper Family Planning

ZKB Whitepaper Family Planning

ZKB Whitepaper Partnership

ZKB Whitepaper Partnership

ZKB Whitepaper Inheritance

ZKB Whitepaper Inheritance

ZKB Whitepaper Retirement

ZKB Whitepaper Retirement

Join Us Live for Our Events and Webinars!

At Advance, we focus on the crucial topic of “financial skills for women” in 2025. Of course, men are also very welcome! All online events are open to everyone. Take the opportunity to join live, ask your questions, and connect with experts and our community. Financial knowledge is make-or-break, not only for your career but also for your standard of living and the well-being of your loved ones - at every stage of life!

Bild von Olga Miler, die als Finanzexpertin beim Ladies-Drive-Webinar auftritt

Ladies Drive Bar Talk with Olga Miler

Fintech entrepreneur and finance expert Olga Miler, founder of SmartPurse and former top banker, shares insights on the hottest topics being discussed on finance blogs and trend radars – explained in a clear, accessible way with practical tips and advice for you.


6 February 2025, 18:00-19:00 in German, online


Ladies Drive Bar Talk: Money Trends 2025

Contact persons for Financial Literacy Campaign: Manuela Walzthöny and Alexandra Rhiner

Questions?

Do you have any inputs, questions, or additional assets that you would like to see on this page? Manuela Walzthöny and Alexandra Rhiner are looking forward to hearing from you. 


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