Money Essence Diary - NOVEMBER 2025 Review
Welcome, Money Essence Readers! ✨
Time for a little recap (okay, maybe a bigger one) of the past few months running this blog 😉 I actually wanted to launch it much earlier - but, as life goes, things took their sweet time.
I thought I had everything perfectly planned out… but, oops! 😅 Turns out, not everything runs as smoothly as the spreadsheets promised. Sure, I knew the beginning would come with bumps and lessons, that “the first pancakes are always lumpy” as they say - but still, I imagined it would all flow a little more gracefully.
This post is basically a summary of the past few months – from spring all the way to November. The idea for the blog was born in March, right when after months of analyzing, reading, and thinking about investing, I finally got my act together and invested my first 807 francs into pillar 3a.
And you know what? That was a game changer! 💥
Even just the idea that I could start changing something in myself - and share that journey with the world - made me feel more motivated than ever.
Here’s what I’ve learned since making that first investment 👇
1. ✅ It really pays off to save in the 3rd pillar
Until recently, I only felt it was worth it - but I’d never actually done the math.
Thanks to the Zurich canton tax calculator, I finally calculated how much I actually save in taxes. And let me tell you: wow, it was worth sitting down with coffee and a calculator for this one ☕
2. ✅ Opening my Finpension account
A big, exciting step. After comparing Finpension, VIAC, and frankly, I chose Finpension - lowest fees, clear app, and a simple start.
Right now, I’ve got four accounts (yes, four 😅), but I plan to open a fifth one soon - just like many Swiss investors recommend for flexibility.
My first account is bond-heavy (for stability), but the second one will definitely be more stock-focused 🚀
3. ❌ Finpension doesn’t really “do” ETFs in 3a
This was a bit disappointing. I naively thought "an ETF is an ETF" - surprise! 😅
You can’t invest directly in ETFs within a 3a account. In Poland, where I come from, similar systems allow much more flexibility, so this was a bit of a letdown.
After a few emails, Finpension sent me links to “ETF-like” funds that mimic the real thing.
Oh well... lesson learned.
4. ✅ Changing my bank = instant savings
There’s a whole story behind this one - and it definitely deserves its own post.
But spoiler alert: totally worth it 💰
5. ✅ My investment plan + perfect timing
I remember that weekend like it was yesterday. On Friday, it was clear that on Monday the market would tank
So I thought: either I act now, or I’ll regret it.
I acted – and it was one of those moments when I truly felt like I was taking control.
6. ✅ Maxed out my 3a contribution - done and dusted!
In November, I officially reached the maximum contribution for the year, and I couldn’t be prouder!
Bonus: it’s also my birthday month, so… the best gift ever, right? 🥳
Starting January, I’ll keep that saving rhythm going.
What’s next? My goals for the rest of 2025
- 🟧 Define my investment horizon – I think this is a perfect task for wrapping up the year and starting fresh!
- 🟧 Determine the minimum I want in my long-term portfolio – And no, I'm not confusing this with pillar 3a!
- 🟧 Plan out how many and where I want to have pillar 3a accounts.
- 🟧 Set a strategy for REITs - how much I can allocate and which ones make sense for me.
- 🟧 And last but not least - Instagram 🙈! The blog is already running, so it would be great to build a little community there that supports and inspires each other!
The first two items will be key for me in defining my aggressive portfolio. Even though my personality naturally likes to minimize risk, I'd like to play it a bit bolder. I'm not assuming this will happen in the next 2-3 years though - for now, I'm building the foundation
💌 If you’re curious about how my financial freedom journey unfolds here in Switzerland - stay tuned and follow Money Essence. The story’s just beginning!
With pride,