Three legs typically support retirement income: state pensions (US Social Security, CH AHV/1st pillar), employer pensions (US 401(k), CH BVG/2nd pillar) and personal savings (IRAs, CH 3rd pillar, taxable accounts). Together they should replace 70–80% of pre-retirement income.
The biggest variables are savings rate, investment returns, retirement age and longevity. Starting early — even with small amounts — beats starting late with large amounts thanks to compounding. Working two extra years can shift retirement security more than any investment choice.
A 30-year-old earning CHF 80k who saves 15% per year (CHF 1,000/month plus employer match) in a 60/40 portfolio reaches roughly CHF 1.3m by age 65 — enough for an inflation-adjusted CHF 50k withdrawal under the 4% rule.