The right choices today will help you realise your dreams - now and after retirement
Text FRANÇOISE SCHUKKING Photography SHELL | 3 minutes
The financial choices you make today determine not only what you can do now, but also how comfortably you live later. Earning more can ensure a higher retirement, while smart saving helps you finance both your short-term and long-term goals. Whether it's a big trip, a new house or a carefree retirement. By being strategic with your money now, you work towards financial freedom - for today and for the future.
Salary negotiations? Know your worth
Negotiating starts with having a good idea of your own market value. A solid salary benchmark can help with this. Organisations such as the Nationale Beroepengids (Only in Dutch) provide up-to-date salary insights by sector and role, while trade unions such as FNV and CNV regularly publish salary surveys.
Don't just compare your salary to that of your colleagues – look beyond. Secondary benefits, such as bonuses, pension contributions and training budgets, count too! Altogether, this can make a big difference to your overall package.
Tap into networks and mentors
A strong negotiation position isn’t just about knowledge – it’s also about who you know. Build your network by talking to colleagues, attending industry events andfinding a mentor within your organisation. Mentoring is particularly effective: a mentor can not only advise you, but also support you by, for example, putting your name forward to decision-makers. Platforms such as womenincleanenergy.nl (Only in Dutch) offer useful networking opportunities and support.
Dare to ask - and keep practising
You can learn to negotiate. Practice conversations with a friend or coach and ask for feedback. You can also take courses through organisations like the Nyenrode Business University.
Always aim to end negotiations on a positive note, even if you don’t get exactly what you want straight away. For example, ask what steps you can take to discuss a revision within six months. That way, you’ll set a clear goal to work towards.
Save for changes in your life
Saving for the future isn’t just about building a financial buffer, it’s also about preparing for key moments in life. Think about situations such as switching to part-time work, which could lead to accruing less pension. In cases like this, it can be smart to start saving extra now, setting aside money for a specific goal or change in life. Curious to see where you might have extra room to save? Discover your financial habits and uncover potential untapped saving opportunities with the Burgundian Life Index How indulgent do you live?
Automate your savings
Set up automatic transfer so that part of your salary goes straight into your savings account. This way, you save without even thinking about it and build up a financial buffer faster.
Pay off your mortgage or student debt faster
Paying off a mortgage or (student) loans can create a lot of financial space in the long run. Investing can also be a way to build wealth for future goals.
Want to do more than just earn and save? Smart retirement planning can help. Here are some practical tips to take your retirement planning to the next level:
Supplement your pension yourself
Looking to boost your income during retirement? Then it is smart to put money aside now. You can do so, for instance, with a pension savings account a pension investment account or an annuity insurance. The advantage of self-saving is that you do not pay tax on the amount you set aside. You only pay tax when you retire, when you often fall into a lower tax rate.
Check your pension: Is your pension on track to meet your goals? Check mijnpensioenoverzicht.nl it helps you gain insight into your expected pension and whether it makes sense to make your own arrangements in addition to your employer's pension. This way, you can make timely adjustments and make sure you won't face any surprises later on.
Take control of your financial future
Want to better understand your financial habits and pension? Start the e-learning ‘How financially fit are you?’ and discover how to take charge of your finances. You’ll explore the pension choices you can make today, what might change in the future with the new pension system and how to stay (even more) financially secure. The course consists of four short lessons that you can complete at your own pace. Interested? Start today: How financially fit are you? Take the test | CARE Shell Pension
How financially fit are you?
Find out in the e-learning on CARE Shell Pension.
