7 minutes | Monday, 10 March 2025
Money Mixtape returns with a candid discussion on the two major life stages that impact your wallet the most: raising children and preparing for retirement. Kicking off with Aaron Neville’s “Tell It Like It Is,” the show sets an honest tone by addressing the hidden financial burdens that often go unspoken. Host and guest Victor dive into the true cost of parenthood in Switzerland, revealing that while raising children is deeply rewarding, it also comes with a steep price tag. Estimates suggest that raising a child from birth until they leave home can cost anywhere between CHF 250,000 and CHF 500,000, with expenses increasing significantly during the teenage years. These costs are not limited to major expenses; everyday items like food, clothing, and housing add up, along with recurring costs for health insurance, sports, hobbies, and school supplies. Optional luxuries such as a private nanny or private schooling, which can cost CHF 22 per hour or CHF 12,000 to CHF 30,000 per year respectively, further inflate the budget.
Shifting the focus to retirement, the podcast highlights another financially challenging phase of life. Though retirement promises a chance to relax, it also brings a drastic drop in income—pensions typically amount to only 60% of a person’s final salary—while expenses, especially for healthcare and assisted living, continue to rise. Monthly costs for care facilities start at around CHF 3,500 to 5,000 and can climb to CHF 10,000 per month with additional medical needs. A study by Pro Senectute warns that one in five Swiss seniors is at risk of poverty. The episode concludes by urging listeners to plan ahead, build a financial cushion, and make smart choices to manage these costly life stages. This honest discussion equips listeners with essential insights to budget wisely, ensuring a truly stable and secure financial future.