How can I invest employee savings schemes if I do not receive the employee savings bonus?
For investment funds and building society contracts, the employee savings bonus is available if the taxable income does not exceed certain limits. Until 2023, these are:
- 20.000 Euro (single) for share-based saving
- 17.900 Euro (single) for building society saving
Current: From 1 January 2024, the income limit for both investment forms will be raised to 40.000 Euro (single) or 80.000 Euro (married) (§ 13 para. 1 of the 5th Capital Formation Act).
Investment options without employee savings bonus
If you exceed the income limits and do not receive the employee savings bonus, you should still invest your capital-forming benefits (vwL) strategically. The key factors are return and security needs. The following investment options are available:
- Bank savings plans: These offer security, but the interest rates often depend on the current market situation, so returns can fluctuate.
- Building society contracts: A solid option, especially if you are planning to buy property in the long term, even without the savings bonus.
- Company pension scheme: This is paid out at retirement age but offers long-term security.
- Investment funds: For return-oriented savers. There is the possibility of increasing the invested capital depending on market developments.
- Repayment of a building loan: You can also use the vwL to repay a building loan more quickly and reduce interest costs.
Conclusion: Even without entitlement to the employee savings bonus, it is worthwhile to invest the vwL in high-return or secure investment forms, depending on your personal risk appetite and savings goal.
