Forget Pumpkin Spice Latte, it's pillar 3a season

Autumn is here, and while Instagram is full of artsy Pumpkin Spice Latte pictures, we Swiss know better. Why settle for spiced coffee when you can enjoy the highest quality hot chocolate at the end of a crisp autumn day or a handful of freshly roasted Maroni as you wander through the falling leaves?

But before we get too carried away with your autumn indulgences, let's talk money – because if there's one thing that's even better than a hot fondue after a day on the slopes (I know, we are getting ahead of ourselves), it's knowing that your finances are in good shape for the season ahead.

Revisit your budget: any summer surprises?

It’s the perfect time to sit down and revisit your budget. Did your summer expenses take an unexpected turn? Maybe that last-minute weekend in the mountains ended up costing a little more than expected, or you splurged on outdoor gear you never quite got around to using (it happens to the best of us). Whatever the case, now's the time to tally your expenses, savings, and your cash buffer.

Are there any changes in your monthly savings? Did you chip away at your cash buffer? Or did you start a new job and have the potential to save more now?

If there have been significant changes, don't forget to update your Selma Investor profile.

That way, your investment strategy remains perfectly aligned with your current situation. 💪

👉 Check your Investor profile

Yes, it's pillar 3a season!

While you're reviewing your finances, now is also the perfect moment to make sure you've maxed out your pillar 3a contributions.

Contributing to pillar 3a not only helps secure your future but also gives you valuable tax benefits in the short term. It's a win-win, and waiting until the last minute doesn't make much sense when you can get it sorted now.

If you're not sure if you have filled up your 3a already this year, you can find out in the Selma app!

👉 Check your pillar 3a at Selma

Planning that skiing holiday or a winter escape? Put money aside now!

Winter's not all about sitting indoors – many of us are already planning the next ski trip or a cheeky sunny getaway to the south. Whether it's Davos, Zermatt, an exotic trip to the Austrian Alps, or sipping Mai Tai's somewhere down south, these plans never come cheap. I mean, have you checked how much Älplermakronen cost? 🥲

The smart move? Start saving in cash now, so you have funds ready when you have to decide on the quality level of your rental skis.

If you're planning to use the money soon, investing it is not recommended – markets can be unpredictable in the short-term, but the vacation date probably won't change!

Therefore, keep the funds for already planned expenses in cash.

👉 Revisit your planned expenses

Splurges: Pumpkin Spice Lattes and their Swiss companions

As your financial advisor, we are supposed to tell you to always be responsible with your money and save and invest every franc. But, let's be real: Autumn only feels like autumn when accompanied by a bag of Maroni, Raclette, or even an early Glühwein. And the 50/30/20 rule also allows for those "wants".

Selma's Deposit plan can help you with structuring your finances.

Admittedly, for most of you, it's probably not Pumpkin Spice Lattes (an extensive survey within the Selma team has shown that 2 (two) team members "enjoy" these), but "those two" are not alone – "pumpkin spice" boosts business and ignited a whole industry. This is a finance blog after all!

And now, let's forget Pumpkin Spice Latte and focus on your pillar 3a! Especially, if you do not have your own pillar 3a account at Selma yet. 🏦

Why start with pillar 3a at Selma?

1. Selma keeps your investment portfolio and risk in balance with your pillar 3a investments. Manage your wealth all-in-one!
2. You can save on fees by reaching the next fee levels through deposits across both accounts.
3. Selma recommends a strategy that suits you best, but you are free to choose from 6 different strategies.
4. Selma's pillar 3a strategies are provided by well-established Swiss pension planner "VZ Vermögenszentrum".
5. You can move your pillar 3a to Selma for free!

Start your pillar 3a season! 🍂